The vibrant atmosphere of a Cinco de Mayo celebration at El Camaron Gigante Mariscos & Steakhouse in Glendale, Arizona, was shattered Sunday evening, May 4, 2025, when gunfire erupted, leaving three people dead and five others wounded. The mass shooting, which unfolded around 7:45 p.m. near the bustling intersection of 57th and Glendale Avenues, transformed a family-friendly gathering into a scene of chaos and heartbreak. As families fled in panic and first responders rushed to aid the victims, the Glendale Police Department launched a sprawling investigation to uncover the motives and circumstances behind this devastating act of violence.
The restaurant, known for its lively ambiance and authentic Mexican seafood and steak dishes, was packed with patrons of all ages, many celebrating the cultural holiday with live mariachi music and festive gatherings. Witnesses described a sudden barrage of gunfire, with one bystander recalling hearing over 20 shots in an initial burst lasting 15 to 20 seconds, followed by a second volley of approximately 10 shots after a brief pause. The sheer volume of gunfire left the scene in disarray, with bullet damage reported to nearby vehicles and businesses. One witness, who had just left the restaurant, recounted helping a woman who emerged from the chaos with multiple gunshot wounds, applying pressure to her injuries until paramedics arrived.
Glendale Police Officer Moroni Mendez, addressing reporters at a tense press briefing, described the incident as “chaotic” and confirmed that the number of victims was initially estimated at nine, later refined to three deceased and five injured. The wounded were swiftly transported to local hospitals, though authorities have not yet disclosed their conditions, leaving families and the community anxiously awaiting updates. Mendez emphasized the scale of the investigation, noting that detectives were working through an “enormous scene” to piece together the sequence of events.
Investigators believe multiple shooters were involved, with one suspect described as a Latino man with long brown hair, dressed in a red hat, red shirt, and dark jeans, possibly wielding a rifle-style weapon. Several individuals have been detained for questioning, but no arrests have been made, and police are meticulously sorting through whether those in custody are suspects, witnesses, or victims. Authorities also discovered a deceased individual in a nearby vehicle, but it remains unclear whether this person was connected to the shooting or among the perpetrators. Mendez was clear that no officers or security personnel discharged their weapons, underscoring that the violence stemmed from civilians.
The motive for the shooting remains elusive, with police exploring whether the incident arose from a confrontation between rival groups or other personal disputes. Speculation among witnesses and community members points to the possibility of a targeted altercation, but investigators have not confirmed any specific catalyst. The restaurant’s role as a popular community hub, often hosting karaoke nights and cultural events, has left residents grappling with the violation of a space meant for joy and connection.
As the investigation stretches into its second day, Glendale police are combing through surveillance footage and interviewing dozens of witnesses to reconstruct the timeline. Nearby business owners, some reporting property damage from stray bullets, are cooperating with authorities to provide additional evidence. The police department has urged anyone with information to come forward, offering an anonymous tip line at (623) 930-3000 to encourage community assistance in solving the case.
The tragedy has cast a somber shadow over Glendale, a city of roughly 254,000 residents northwest of Phoenix, known for its tight-knit community and vibrant cultural scene. Residents are mourning the loss of life and reeling from the violence that disrupted a cherished local establishment. As detectives work tirelessly to bring clarity and justice, the community holds its breath, hoping for answers and healing in the wake of this senseless act.