Gunfire Erupts During Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Arizona Restaurant, Injuring at Least Nine

Police officers respond to a shooting at a Mexican restaurant in Glendale, Ariz., late on May 4, 2025

At least nine people were shot on Sunday evening when gunfire broke out at a popular Arizona restaurant hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration. The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. at El Camarón Gigante, a family-friendly steakhouse located near the intersection of Glendale and Grand avenues in Glendale.

The restaurant was filled with families and partygoers of all ages when the shooting began, causing panic as dozens fled for safety. Witnesses described a terrifying barrage of gunfire lasting 15 to 20 seconds, followed by another round of approximately 10 shots half a minute later.

Police responded to frantic 911 calls around 7:45pm near Glendale and Grand avenues

Frantic 911 calls flooded local dispatchers as chaos unfolded. Police quickly responded to the scene, sealing off the area and launching an intense investigation. At a press briefing held around 9 p.m., Glendale Police Public Information Officer Moroni Mendez reported multiple victims but did not confirm the exact number, citing the evolving nature of the situation.

“There are multiple victims. We're still working to confirm the total number and circumstances,” Mendez stated. He emphasized that while early reports indicated up to nine people may have been shot, the investigation was still in its early stages.

The motive remains unknown as detectives work through a chaotic, active investigation

Witnesses described heartbreaking scenes in the aftermath of the attack. “I heard people yelling out names. There was a man on the ground and it didn’t look like he made it,” said Lupe Rodriguez, who fled the scene. “His father was yelling out his name. It was pretty bad.”

Authorities have not yet identified any suspects, but several individuals have been taken into custody for questioning. Mendez confirmed that no law enforcement officers discharged their weapons during the incident, and there is no indication that any security personnel were involved in the shooting.

Tactical units and detectives spent the night securing the perimeter, gathering evidence, and reviewing surveillance footage. The area remains closed off as investigators conduct interviews and process forensic data.

Police are urging members of the public with information or video footage from the scene to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.