Glendale mayor wants people to show support for Westgate after shooting
May 22, 2020, 2:00 PM
The Westgate retail district is closed off Thursday, May 21, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. Police say one person is in critical condition and two others were injured in a shooting Wednesday evening near the shopping and entertainment district west of Phoenix. A Glendale police spokeswoman said Wednesday that the suspect was taken into custody safely. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
PHOENIX – Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers is hoping people won’t shy away from Westgate Entertainment District after a shooting Wednesday night injured three people.
“My wife and I actually went there to show our support yesterday to eat, and I was a little disheartened at the fact that a lot of people weren’t there. Westgate is a safe area,” Weiers told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show on Friday.
Westgate is home to more than 60 restaurants and businesses as well as Gila River Arena, and Weiers said they’re going to do what they can to keep people safe.
“Don’t let things like this affect the way you do things. Actually, in the face, go out and show them that you’re going to go out, and you’re going to participate.”
#Thankyou again to the men & women of the Glendale Fire & Police Departments who tirelessly train to ensure if dangerous incidents occur, the scene can be secured quickly & quality medical aid can be given ASAP. Each of you did an amazing job last night. #glendaleazstrong❤️ https://t.co/3lWROyUi2t
— Mayor Jerry Weiers (@MayorWeiers) May 22, 2020
In response to the situation, Weiers said he was proud of the city’s fire and police departments, as well as the surrounding agencies, that responded to the incident.
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“The biggest problem that you have when you have an event like this is the not knowing, so the officers have to come in not knowing how many shooters there are,” Weiers said.
The suspect, later identified as Armando Hernandez, Jr., 20, of Peoria, was taken into custody without incident after he saw officers responding to the scene, police said.
“Nobody can and should judge Westgate for safety or anything else because of one person that did something totally wrong,” Weiers said. “For the most part, Westgate is an incredible place. It’s an entertainment center, we’re very proud of it.”
