Two killed in shooting near California State University, Northridge
Synopsis
A late-night shooting at University Plaza — just one block from California State University, Northridge — left two young adults dead and dozens detained on Friday. With police still searching for a possible third victim and no suspect named, the incident adds to a troubling pattern of gun violence near US university campuses.
Key Takeaways
At least two people were killed in a shooting at University Plaza , Los Angeles, shortly after 11 pm on Friday .
The strip mall is located approximately one block from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) .
Dozens of people were detained outside the building; many had been inside a nearby lounge at the time.
The two victims — a man and a woman — are believed to be aged between 18 and 25 , according to LAPD Lt.
Police were also searching for a possible third victim as investigations continued.
At least two people were killed and dozens of others detained after a shooting erupted at a strip mall near a university campus in Los Angeles late on Friday night, local media reported. The incident unfolded shortly after 11 pm at University Plaza, a popular shopping centre located approximately one block from California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
What Happened at University Plaza
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers responded to the scene after receiving reports of a large gathering, and heard gunshots upon arrival. Following the shooting, dozens of individuals were detained outside a building at the plaza. According to reports, many of those detained had been inside a nearby lounge at the time of the incident.
Victims and Ongoing Investigation
LAPD Lieutenant Guy Golan identified the two victims as a man and a woman, both believed to be between the ages of 18 and 25, according to local TV station KTLA. Golan also indicated that authorities were searching for a possible third victim. Police continued their investigation inside the venue and in the surrounding area, with the case remaining active.
Context: A Pattern of Urban Shootings in the US
The Los Angeles incident follows a separate shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in early September. In that case, two people were killed and the suspect died by suicide on 2 September. Six others were injured in the Minneapolis shooting, including three police officers — two of whom were struck by gunfire. Officers responding to the Minneapolis incident entered a high-rise apartment building, where they encountered victims, heard additional gunfire, and navigated through a haze that significantly limited visibility on an upper floor.
Community and Campus Impact
University Plaza's proximity to CSUN — one of the largest universities in California by enrolment — has raised concerns among students and campus officials. Late-night shootings near university campuses have drawn increasing scrutiny in recent years, with calls for enhanced safety measures around commercial areas adjacent to academic institutions. Authorities have not yet established a confirmed motive or identified any suspects in the Los Angeles case.
Point of View
Metres from one of California's largest universities, underscores a persistent and unresolved tension in American public safety: commercial zones adjacent to campuses operate largely outside the security perimeters that universities themselves maintain. The detention of dozens suggests a large gathering was in progress, raising questions about whether venue operators and local authorities had adequate crowd-management protocols. The search for a possible third victim also points to the chaos of the scene — a detail that often gets lost in the initial count. Until a suspect is named and a motive established, this remains a story about systemic vulnerability as much as individual violence.
NationPress
4 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Los Angeles shooting take place?
The shooting occurred at University Plaza, a strip mall located approximately one block from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in Los Angeles. It broke out shortly after 11 pm on Friday night.
How many people were killed and detained in the Los Angeles shooting?
At least two people were killed — a man and a woman both believed to be aged between 18 and 25. Dozens of others were detained outside the building by LAPD officers following the incident.
Is a suspect in custody for the CSUN-area shooting?
As of the latest reports, no suspect has been publicly identified or confirmed in custody. Police were continuing their investigation inside the venue and the surrounding area, and were also searching for a possible third victim.
How does this incident relate to the Minneapolis shooting in September?
A separate shooting in Minneapolis on 2 September killed two people and injured six others, including three police officers. The suspect in that case died by suicide. The two incidents are unrelated but together reflect a broader pattern of gun violence incidents in American cities in recent months.
What is California State University, Northridge?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is one of the largest public universities in California by student enrolment, located in the Northridge neighbourhood of Los Angeles. The University Plaza shopping centre, where Friday's shooting occurred, sits about one block from the campus.
