Two women were shot on the campus of Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Inglewood, California, on Friday afternoon, May 2, 2025. The shooting, which occurred around 4 p.m. Pacific Time, has been classified as a workplace violence incident, according to officials.
Inglewood Mayor James Butts confirmed that both victims are female employees of the college and that one of them is in critical condition. The Los Angeles County Fire Department stated that both women were transported to a nearby hospital following the incident.
Eyewitness reports and aerial footage from the scene showed a heavy police presence, with law enforcement conducting a room-to-room search of the campus to ensure the safety of students and staff. The college was placed on lockdown for at least an hour following the shooting.
Mayor Butts indicated that the suspect is believed to be a former employee of Spartan College. He mentioned that the suspect was initially at large but later apprehended after a 911 call was made by the suspect's family, who reported that he had shot two women.
Just after 6 p.m., authorities arrested the suspect near Berendo and Twelfth streets in Pico-Union. The police had been able to identify him and the vehicle he was driving shortly after the shooting. Butts noted that the suspect was possibly seen wearing a security uniform during the incident.
Chris Becker, the president and chief administrator of Spartan College, expressed his concern over the incident, stating, "It’s a peaceful campus. It’s a nice community of students and teachers and staff." He emphasized that safety is a primary focus for the aviation school, which accommodates around 500 students and is located about a mile from Los Angeles International Airport.
As the investigation unfolds, the Inglewood Police Department is working closely with local law enforcement agencies to gather more information. The college, which has several campuses across the country, specializes in training programs focused on aviation maintenance technology.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the community, as many students and staff were present on campus at the time. Dozens of individuals were seen outside the school as police began their preliminary investigation. The incident has raised concerns about safety in educational institutions, particularly in light of recent workplace violence incidents.
Inglewood, part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, has been the site of various community events and gatherings, making this incident particularly alarming for residents. Local officials are urging calm and encouraging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward.
As the investigation continues, the college community is coming together to support each other during this difficult time. Spartan College has announced plans to provide counseling services for students and staff affected by the shooting, aiming to foster a sense of safety and solidarity.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that educational institutions face in ensuring the safety of their students and staff. With workplace violence becoming an increasingly pressing issue, schools across the nation are re-evaluating their security protocols and emergency response plans.
As details emerge, the community remains hopeful for the recovery of the victims and is rallying around their families during this trying period. The college's focus on aviation training will continue, as they work to restore a sense of normalcy on campus.
In the wake of the shooting, local leaders are calling for heightened awareness and preventive measures to address workplace violence, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to protect individuals in educational settings.
With the suspect now in custody, authorities are expected to release more information in the coming days as they continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
