Clash between rival gangs ended in US gunfight that left six dead

A US mass killing that left six people dead and 12 wounded last weekend was a gunfight involving at least five shooters from rival gangs, Sacramento police said.

Police said they identified at least five gunmen but there may have been more. Only two suspects – both brothers wounded by gunfire – have been arrested in connection with the shooting and, so far, only face firearms charges.

“We’re still working through... who the actual shooters are in the case,” Sergeant Zach Eaton said.

Previously, police had been silent on what led to the shooting that erupted early on Sunday as bars were closing. Rapid-fire bursts of more than 100 gunshots echoed through the streets as terrified customers ran for their lives and others were hit by bullets. Police said at least two gangs were involved. They declined to provide more details or name the gangs involved or the affiliation of any suspects.

Experts said that if gangs were to blame, it would mark an unusually bloody feud. In 20 years of researching gangs in Los Angeles, Alex Alonso said he can’t remember a gang-related shooting with such a high body count.

“It’s extremely rare that a gang shooting happened as the way this one is being characterised,” Mr Alonso said. “It’s extremely rare to have that happen in a public place with so many victims.”

Gregory Chris Brown, a criminal justice professor at California State University, Fullerton, said gangs often target rivals in driveby shootings with fewer victims.

The location of the Sacramento shooting – in a bustling area of bars near the entertainment district – was incidental to whatever fuelled the fight.

“If rival gang members see each other it doesn’t matter if they’re in the Capitol of the United States of America,” Mr Brown said. “If you see a rival gang member and you’re going to attack them, it doesn’t matter where they are.”