Gunfire Breaks Out at a San Francisco Halloween Party

This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

The New York Sun

SAN FRANCISCO — Gunfire broke out between two groups at a massive Halloween street party in the city’s Castro district, wounding at least 10 people, including innocent bystanders, police said yesterday.

The shooting began around 10:40 p.m. Tuesday as authorities were dispersing thousands of revelers under a curfew aimed at controlling the traditionally raucous party.

Two people were detained for questioning, but no one had been arrested early yesterday, police Captain Al Casciato said. He said two groups of people had gotten into an altercation when the shooting began.

One victim was listed in critical condition at San Francisco General Hospital.

The once-spontaneous and unsanctioned party was taken over by the city four years ago after police recorded five stabbings and a number of assaults in a 2002 crowd of 500,000 people and confiscated a chain saw.

Officials and members of the district’s large gay community said the party had started attracting gay bashers along with the usual colorfully costumed characters.

On Tuesday night, city officials ramped up the police presence, reduced the number of entertainment stages from three to one and cut off the festivities at 11 p.m.

“We had the sheriff’s department screening people for weapons and alcohol. Obviously you have a major event — a lot of different spots” to patrol, said police spokesman Neville Gittens said. “I can’t explain how this happened. Unfortunately, it did happen, and we are investigating to find out who is the cause of the shooting.”

Ted Morales, 43, said he was working as a volunteer security guard for the event when he “heard someone empty their gun” in the crowd.

“When the shooting happened, people just dove to the ground like a wall of water,” said Mr. Morales, who did not see what led up to the shooting. A woman standing near him was grazed in the neck by a bullet, he said.

Sophia Vlahiotis, who owns Capri Ristorante Pizza just yards from the scene, was outside selling pizzas when a crowd of people fleeing the bullets began running in her direction.

“They pushed the table over, the oven fell and then I realized it was gunshots,” she said. “They were trying to get into the restaurant, there were so many people.”

Ms. Vlahiotis, who did not see what led up to the shooting, said this year may be her last participating in the Halloween party.

“I’m still shaking,” she said. “I don’t know if I want to do this again. It’s not worth my life.”


The New York Sun

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use