Gunfire reports briefly rattled the Azalea Festival at South Gate Park, but police say they found no victims and are keeping officers on site for the rest of the carnival, according to a Community Update the department posted March 21.
In that update on the City of South Gate Police Department Facebook page, officials said officers rushed to the park after a call of shots fired, checked the grounds, and confirmed that no one had been located with injuries. Detectives are following up on leads, and patrol officers are staying put at the event to keep a close eye on things and support public safety, the department said.
Police presence at the Azalea Festival
The call came in at South Gate Park, home to the city’s Azalea Festival and carnival this week, according to The Craft Map. The multiday festival, scheduled for March 19 to 22, draws big crowds and features rides, vendors, and live music, conditions police cited in explaining why they are keeping a high-visibility patrol in place. Promotional materials from the carnival organizer describe attendance in the tens of thousands, a reminder of why officers say they plan to remain on scene for the duration of the event (Fiesta de Carnival Promotions).
What the department asked
Along with the update, police pushed a familiar warning, quoting, “If you see something, say something,” and asking anyone who witnessed the incident or spotted anything suspicious to contact them. The department said it will continue investigating while backing up the festival with patrols and other resources, and it promised to share additional details through official channels when they are ready to be released.
Background and local context
South Gate Park has already been at the center of high-profile trouble this year, which has sharpened concerns about safety at large public gatherings. In February, prosecutors filed murder charges after a pedestrian was struck and killed near the park, a driver hit with a murder rap case that fueled fresh calls for stronger safety measures at public events.
How to report tips
Anyone with information about the reported gunfire is asked to call the South Gate Police Department’s non-emergency line at (323) 563-5400 or use the contact options listed on the department’s website, according to officials. In an emergency, people should still call 911…