San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said guests who visit Market Square next year during Fiesta can expect to be checked and have their bags inspected for weapons after two years of shootings in that location.
An 18-year-old man and 20-year-old man were killed just after midnight Sunday following an argument that eventually led to them shooting at each other in the middle of Market Square during the Fiesta De Los Reyes event.
In a Facebook video released Monday — in which an SAPD public information officer asked McManus questions — the chief called the shooting an “isolated incident between two individuals who had some sort of beef, and they decided to take it to Market Square.”
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He said the officers were “right there” when the shooting happened and took the appropriate action. McManus did not clarify what appropriate action was taken by those officers.
What also remains unclear is whether the four injured bystanders were struck by gunfire from San Antonio police officers or the suspects.
KSAT and other members of the media were directed to the Facebook video instead of being able to ask questions of the chief. SAPD has not responded to questions KSAT asked hours after the shooting.
He also didn’t mention why there weren’t additional security measures implemented this year after a shooting during Fiesta at Market Square last year.
The chief did not clarify how those checks would happen or if all Market Square entrances would open next year for Fiesta De Los Reyes.
SAPD: 2 dead, 4 injured in shooting at Market Square Fiesta event
SAPD identified the officers as Sgt. Joseph Fech, a 13-year veteran, and Officer Zachary Krok, a five-year veteran. The department did not clarify the status of those officers.
In 2023, a fight between two men during Fiesta De Los Reyes ended with one man in his 20s shot in the chest, wounding him.
Shooting aftermath
The chief clarified SAPD’s role at these events, saying, “We supply the officers to staff the security.”
McManus said vendors are primarily responsible for “housekeeping rules” regarding security like prohibiting ice chests.
The PIO added that vendors are also responsible for enforcing things like “clear bag policies ... backpacks.”
“Fiesta De Los Reyes is working with the City of San Antonio and the Fiesta Commission to enhance security measures at our event,” said Jacob Valenzuela, the executive director of the Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundational, which puts on Fiesta De Los Reyes. “No additional information on how that will be implemented is available at this time.”
KSAT also reached out to the Fiesta Commission. It issued the following statement:
“The Fiesta San Antonio Commission is working with the City of San Antonio and the organizers of Fiesta de los Reyes to enhance security measures at this event.”
La Familia Cortez, which owns Mi Tierra in Market Square, is asking for major changes moving forward. It issued the following statement on Facebook:
To our Loyal Guests and Community, Our heart is broken by the incident that took place this past weekend and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted.
Posted by Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery on Monday, April 29, 2024