Police Says Sacramento Shooting Was A Rival Gang Gunfight

Sacramento police says the mass killing that left six people dead and 12 wounded outside bars just blocks from California’s Capitol last weekend was a gunfight involving at least five shooters from rival gangs.

Police said they identified at least five gunmen but there may have been more. Only two suspects, both brothers wounded by gunfire, have been arrested in connection with the shooting and, so far, only face firearms charges.

Until Wednesday’s announcement, police had been silent on what led to the shooting that erupted early Sunday as bars were letting out.

Rapid-fire bursts of over 100 gunshots echoed through the streets as terrified patrons ran for their lives and others were hit by bullets.

Police said at least two gangs were involved. They declined to provide more details or name the gangs involved or the affiliation of any suspects.

Experts said that if gangs were to blame, it would mark an unusually bloody feud.

In 20 years of researching gangs in Los Angeles, Alex Alonso said he can’t remember a gang-related shooting with such a high body count.

The location of the Sacramento shooting – in a bustling area of watering holes near the entertainment district — was incidental to whatever fueled the fight.