BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — As new details emerge and the city continues to reel after Friday night’s deadly shooting at the Independence High School that left one teenager dead, officials are responding.
Locally, Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh said her heart is with the loved ones of 17-year-old Levi Brown, who was shot in the chest after an altercation during Friday night’s football game and later died at Kern Medical.
“What happened is heartbreaking, but it does not define Independence High School or Bakersfield,” Goh said in a statement. “We are a community that cares for one another, supports our young people and comes together during difficult moments. We will continue working alongside our schools, law enforcement and community partners to keep Bakersfield a safe place to live, learn and raise a family.”
Goh also said she is grateful for “the law enforcement officers, school officials and others who are working to investigate and support those impacted.”
State Senator Shannon Grove also issued a statement after the shooting, which the Bakersfield Police Department confirmed Monday was gang-related.
“What should have been a night of memories made under the Friday night lights at a football game, with families in the stands and kids cheering, ended in unimaginable tragedy at Independence High School,” Grove stated.
“A 17-year-old lost his life after a fight. A 15-year-old has been arrested. Two young lives forever altered. One family burying a son. Another facing a future that will never be the same.”
Bakersfield police announce multiple arrests tied to Friday’s deadly shooting at Independence HS
Grove, who represents Kern County, as well as parts of Tulare and Fresno counties, also stated that situations like impact the entire community.
“No parent should ever get that call. No school should ever become a crime scene on a night meant for school spirit and a community coming out to support our youth athletes,” she said. “My hope and prayer is that we can come together as a community during this extremely hard time.”
U.S. Representative Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) also issued a statement, saying that he and his family are praying for those impacted.
He also said that high school football is “more than a game.”
“It brings our schools, student-athletes, families and entire community together to celebrate the hard work, dedication and talent of our young people,” the congressman said “At this difficult and emotional time, I know our community will come together, support one another and stand with the Independence and Centennial High School communities.”
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