Fairfield Police Searching for Deadly High School Graduation Ceremony Shooter

Belyea said police responded around 7:15 p.m. to gunshots in the parking lot of Fairfield High School, where more than 1,000 people were gathered for a graduation ceremony for Sem Yeto High School, a continuation school co-located on the campus.

“What should have been a joyful celebration of our graduates was overshadowed by an act of violence that has left students, families, staff, and community members feeling shaken and heartbroken,” Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District Superintendent Jennifer Sachs and board President Helen Tilley said in a joint statement.

“Even in the face of incredibly difficult times, we are inspired by the resilience, strength, and care that define the Fairfield-Suisun community,” the message shared with families on Wednesday morning reads. “Together, we will continue to support one another and move forward with our students at the center of all we do.”

Sachs said there does not appear to be an ongoing threat to the community, and school is in session on Thursday.

According to Suisun City Mayor Alma Hernandez, additional police officers will be on school campuses, and Sachs said a mental health team is available at Sem Yeto to support students and staff.

It’s not yet clear if the incident will affect plans for graduations at other district high schools scheduled to take place this weekend.

“What should have been a time of joy and celebration instead resulted in loss of life, injuries and families forever impacted by heinous violence,” Suisun City City Manager Bret Prebula said in a statement. “We are saddened, angry and mourning alongside the individuals and families impacted, and for all in attendance. No one should feel unsafe at a school celebration.”

Helicopter footage from KCRA showed a vehicle with what appears to be bullet holes through the windshield with balloons tied to the car’s rear-view mirror.

“Today, our students and their families faced an unimaginable event — one that will leave a lasting impact,” Hernandez said in a statement. Suisun City and Fairfield have a joint school district.

“As we navigate through this heart-wrenching time, I sincerely hope we can come together to support our students and each other, providing the love and comfort needed for healing,” she continued.

The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are assisting with the investigation, along with other local law enforcement agencies.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Fairfield Police Investigations Tip Line at 707-428-7345 or email juneincidenttips@fairfield.ca.gov.

The shooting comes two weeks after Fairfield police violently arrested a teen after an altercation on the high school campus. Civil rights attorneys plan to file a lawsuit over the incident.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

KQED’s Erin Baldassari contributed to this report.