Gilroy Gunman Targeted Slew Of Groups In Domestic Terror: FBI

GILROY, CA — While discovering the suspected gunman in the Gilroy Garlic Festival mass shooting targeted several types of organizations in spreading his rampage, the FBI said Tuesday it has taken over the case in opening a domestic terrorism probe.

FBI Special Agent In Charge John Bennett said the probe had uncovered evidence 19-year-old Santino Legan, of Gilroy, had targeted several types of outlets and venues spanning way beyond the Garlic Festival as targets for melee.

Bennett listed in Tuesday's press conference religious organizations, federal buildings, courthouses, political parties on both sides of the aisle as well as Legan's hometown festival located 15 minutes away from his house. The names of these places, groups or people were not released. But the threat to national organizations facilitated the designation.

Bennett said Legan, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound when three veteran Gilroy police officers confronted him with gunfire, was influenced by "violent ideologies," albeit "fractured" and "competing" in nature.

"Nothing was all one side or another," Bennett said, while also noting the FBI is still combing through digital media Legan used. The agent didn't rule out white ideology influences.

No manifesto has been uncovered as has sometimes been the case in other mass shootings, and no conclusion has been made on motive.

"We're looking at whatever the evidence takes us to," Bennett said.

Why the man "committed this particular act of violence" is still unknown as the investigation is ongoing under federal law. The designation places the case into the FBI San Francisco's hands, allowing the feds the legal authority to issue subpoenas and search warrants, as Gilroy Police goes on to other matters.

Police Chief Scot Smithee released information that his officers fired 18 rounds at the suspect, who had shot 39 from his AK-47-style assault rifle into the crowd. Legan, who was wearing a bullet-resistant vest, reportedly had 71 rounds remaining in the drum of his arsenal, split between his body armor and what was found on the ground.

Additional magazines were discovered in his backpack, along with a rifle scope, shovel and flashlight. A Remington shotgun was pulled as evidence from his vehicle parked on Laurel Drive. Police say he cut through a perimeter back fence to gain entry onto the grounds.

Smithee has indicated his department has determined that none of the three young victims — 6-year-old Stephen Romero, 13-year-old Keyla Salazar and 25-year-old Trevor Irby of Santa Cruz — had died of friendly fire from his officers in the confusion. He was unable to conclude the same for about a dozen people who were among the 16 injured the July 28 tragedy.

"We are very sorry for your loss," Bennett said to the family members. "There's nothing we can say or do that will bring back your loved ones. But everything we do is with you in mind."

Counseling Is Still Available Through The Week

The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office also announced it is keeping its Family Assistance Center open through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Wheeler Community Center, 270 West 6th St. in Gilroy.

Despite the FBI concluding its investigation and handing over the Christmas Hill Park grounds to the city, the venue remains closed to the public as the authorities work to allow those who left behind belongings and vehicles to retrieve them without interference.

Festival-goers who still haven't picked up their personal property or are in need of counseling may access Family Assistance Center services in downtown Gilroy where the American Red Cross will also be on hand.

More information may be obtained by calling the center at 408-209-8356. The city's information hotline at 408-846-0584 is also fielding questions.

National Night Out Postponed

In the wake of the Garlic Festival tragedy, the police department also announced it is delaying its participation in the National Night Out campaign once scheduled for the evening of Aug. 6.
Instead, the event is slated for Oct. 1.

See also

• Gilroy Garlic Festival Shooting: 3 Victims, Suspect Identified
• Candlelight Vigil Pays Homage To Victims Of Gilroy Shooting
• Gilroy Garlic Festival Vendor Decompressing From Loss
• Duo Injured In Gilroy Festival Shooting 'Happy To Be Alive'
• 3 Heroic Gilroy Officers Who Took Down Suspect Identified
• Candlelight Vigil Brings Gilroy Together
• Gilroy Rodeo Beefs Up Security, Among Other Events
• Gilroy Garlic Festival Vehicle Retrieval Opens