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Vicente Fernández: Video shows shooter firing at mourning fans on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Multiple gunshots were fired from a building window directly across from where people had gathered to pay tribute to the late singer

A gunman opened fire near Hollywood Walk of fame where fans had gathered to mourn Mexican singer Vicente Fernández on Sunday night, December 12. Though no casualty was reported, the dramatic moment was caught on camera. 

Fernández, an icon of traditional Mexican music, died on Sunday at the age of 81, after being hospitalized in August after taking a fall on his Guadalajara ranch that required emergency spinal surgery. He was later diagnosed with the Guillain–Barré syndrome, an autoimmune condition. His health took a turn for the worse recently. “Rest in peace, Mr. Vicente Fernández,” a translated version of a statement posted on the singer’s Instagram page read. “We regret to inform you of his death on Sunday, December 12 at 6:15 a.m. It was his honor and great pride to share with everyone a great musical career and to give everything for his audience. Thank you for continuing to applaud, thank you for continuing to sing.”

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What happened at the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

Fernández had received a star on the Walk of Fame in Los Angeles back in 1998. As a result, many of his fans had gathered around the area to mourn the artist after learning about his death. According to local reports, multiple gunshots were fired from an apartment building window located directly across from where people were gathered. 

Following the incident, ABC7's Leanne Suter tweeted: "Gunfire erupts across the street from tribute to #VicenteFernandez at his star on walk of fame. We heard 4-5 shots. One bullet shattering a glass door across the street."

A report shared via the Citizen app talked about "six shots fired," where a user shared footage that shows police and an air unit on the scene. When the shots were fired, one witness was recording a video at the scene, CBSLA reported. The outlet also confirmed that no one appeared to be hurt. However, gunshots can be heard in that video. The fans appeared to be singing along to Fernández's music when the clear ring of gunshots can be heard in the backdrop and everyone falls silent. "A window was shattered across the street," the news outlet tweeted. "This is happening on Hollywood Blvd between Gower and Argyle."

Another footage from the scene showed authorities with firearms walking in line on the historic landmark. At 7:24 pm, the Los Angeles Police Department's Hollywood Division cleared fans from the Fernández memorial and the area was declared a crime scene with the police hunting for the suspect. "It’s amazing/lucky no one was hit as dozens of fans had packed the sidewalk around the singer’s star," another tweet by Suter concluded.

Around 7:50 pm, authorities confirmed to have taken a male suspect into custody. The suspect has not been identified yet but it was revealed that he was allegedly a resident of the building where the shots were fired from. The suspect's motive is not known. 

Vicente Fernández's memorial

In Fernández's memory, flowers were placed as music played from a portable speaker, NBCLA reported. Fans were singing 'Volver Volver' on Sunset Boulevard. People also stood close together holding signs and flowers. "Fans flock to Vicente Fernandez’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Some leave flowers and lit candles," LA Times' Steve Saldivar tweeted alongside a video clip of the event.

The tweet continued: "Others elbow through the crowd for a selfie. One man brought a box of Modelo beer. Clinks of bottles heard before they all begin singing the next Chente classic."