A night of celebration at a popular East Bay banquet hall ended in tragedy when a drive-by shooting left two people dead late Friday. The incident occurred in the 6000 block of Stevenson Boulevard, near the Royal Palace Banquet Hall, where a wedding reception with more than 100 guests was underway.
The killings mark the third and fourth homicides of the year in Fremont, a city that typically reports far lower levels of violent crime compared to neighboring Bay Area communities.
How the Shooting Unfolded
According to the Fremont Police Department, officers responded at 11:12 p.m. on September 5 after multiple 911 callers reported shots fired. When police arrived, they discovered two adult male victims suffering from gunshot wounds in the parking lot.
One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Early confusion suggested there may have been a third victim, but officials have since clarified that only two people were struck.
Detectives believe the shooting was a targeted attack. Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle pull into the lot and open fire before quickly fleeing. Police have not disclosed the make or model of the suspect vehicle, and no arrests have been made as of Saturday morning.
“Based on preliminary evidence, this does not appear to be a random act of violence,” Fremont Police spokesperson Geneva Bosques said. “We are pursuing all leads to identify the individuals responsible.”
A Celebration Shattered
The Royal Palace Banquet Hall was hosting a wedding reception at the time of the shooting. Guests described scenes of chaos as gunfire erupted outside, with some attendees taking cover indoors while others rushed to the parking lot to help.
In a statement issued Saturday, the venue expressed condolences to the families of the victims:
“We are devastated by the tragic events that occurred outside our facility. While the incident did not involve our guests or staff directly, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ loved ones. We will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement.”
The venue also noted that private security was present during the reception, though the attack happened just beyond the immediate security perimeter.
Community Reactions
For Fremont residents, the shooting has rattled a sense of security in a city long considered one of the safest in the Bay Area.
“Things like this don’t happen here,” said Jose Ramirez, who runs a small fitness studio next to the banquet hall. “We hear about Oakland or San Jose having shootings, but not Fremont. It’s scary because my business is right there.”
Another resident, Angela Wu, a mother of two, said the violence has her reconsidering late-night outings. “When you have a family, you start thinking twice about safety. We thought this was a quiet suburban area. This incident changes how people will feel for a while.”
Police Investigation and Public Appeal
Authorities have launched a full investigation, including reviewing surveillance video from the banquet hall and nearby businesses. Detectives are also interviewing witnesses and combing the parking lot for ballistic evidence.
Police are urging anyone with information to step forward. Witnesses can contact the Fremont Police Department’s Investigations Unit at (510) 790-6900, or submit anonymous tips by texting “Tip FremontPD” to 888-777 or through the city’s official portal at fremontpolice.gov/tip.
Bosques emphasized the importance of community involvement:
“Someone saw something that can help us solve this case. We need those individuals to come forward so we can bring justice to the victims’ families.”
Fremont’s Crime Landscape
Historically, Fremont has maintained lower crime rates compared to many Bay Area cities. In 2024, the city reported only five homicides, a figure well below Oakland’s 124 and San Jose’s 40. That context makes Friday night’s drive-by particularly unsettling for locals.
Experts warn that suburban communities are not immune to the spillover effects of regional crime trends. “Events like this highlight that even safer cities can experience sudden violence,” said Dr. Maria Lopez, a criminologist at San José State University. “It raises questions about regional gang activity, targeted disputes, or personal conflicts escalating in public places.”
A Community in Mourning
By Saturday morning, flowers and candles had begun to appear in the parking lot where the shooting occurred. Friends and relatives of the victims gathered quietly, some weeping, others demanding answers.
Local officials have pledged additional police patrols in the area in the coming days, both to reassure the community and to prevent potential retaliatory violence.
Fremont Mayor Lily Mei issued a statement expressing condolences:
“Our hearts are broken for the victims and their families. Fremont is a close-knit community, and we will not allow senseless acts of violence to define who we are.”
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | September 5, 2025, ~11:12 p.m. |
| Location | 6000 block of Stevenson Blvd., near Royal Palace Banquet Hall |
| Casualties | 2 dead (one at scene, one at hospital) |
| Type of Incident | Drive-by shooting, likely targeted |
| Event Nearby | Wedding reception with 100+ guests |
| Year-to-Date Homicides | 4 in Fremont (2025) |
| Investigation Status | Active; no suspects identified yet |
| Tip Lines | (510) 790-6900 / Text “Tip FremontPD” to 888-777 / fremontpolice.gov/tip |
Why This Story Resonates
The Fremont shooting is not just a crime statistic—it’s a reminder of the fragile boundary between celebration and tragedy. For a city that prides itself on safety, the killings underscore broader debates about gun violence, public safety, and the preparedness of suburban communities to handle unexpected outbreaks of crime.
As police continue their investigation, families of the victims now face the harsh reality of loss. For the wider Fremont community, the challenge will be to reclaim a sense of safety without allowing fear to overshadow daily life.
