BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Friday night lights returned to Independence High School, but for many families in the stands, the first home game since a deadly shooting carried a different feeling.
Bakersfield police investigate a deadly shooting at Independence High School on Friday, August 21, in Bakersfield, CA. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
The game marked the school’s first at home since a shooting two weeks ago left a 17-year-old dead and forced the cancellation of the previous game. Friends and families were back in the stadium, where there were visible changes, including more safety enhancements and law enforcement on site.
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Cheryl Whipple, whose granddaughter is in the band, said she was at the last home game when shots were fired.
“My granddaughter is in the band, and I feared for her life. I heard the gunshots, and I was just entering,” Whipple said
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Now back at the stadium to watch her granddaughter perform, Whipple said she was still uneasy.
“I’m very nervous about anything else happening,” she said.
Whipple also said she appreciated the increased police presence.
Fans flee after gunshots rang out during Independence High School’s football game on Friday, August 21, in Bakersfield, CA. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
“But I do appreciate the police force coming out and force like this showing their support for us,” she said.
Other parents described a mix of nerves and excitement as the district implemented new safety measures for games.
“We’re not hiding anything, so we’re okay with it. It’s a good thing. Because you need to be safe,” Valentin Vela said.
Vela said he is more alert now when he attends large events with his daughter.
Jose Torres, who was also at the game to support his child, said he felt safer with the changes, even as he acknowledged lingering anxiety.
“A little bit nervous but excited to see the new implementations that they put in and just excited to get a little bit back to the normalcy of things,” Torres said.
Football fans return to Independence High School, weeks after a deadly shooting.
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Torres said the shooting made him rethink returning, but he did not want fear to keep him away.
“Sometimes it’s best to confront the situation instead of completely avoiding it,” Torres said.
Families at the game said the shooting is something they will not forget, and they hope it never happens again as they try to move forward.