A shooting took place at Independence High School at 8001 Old River Road in Bakersfield in California, during an ongoing football game there. 

Updated on: Aug 22, 2026, 10:04:18 IST

Prefer HTon Google

Share via
Copy link

A shooting took place at Independence High School at 8001 Old River Road in Bakersfield in California, on August 21, during an ongoing football game there. The Bakersfield Police Department said they were investigating the shooting on Friday night.

“We are at Independence High School for a shooting investigation. There is no active shooter, but we ask that the community stay out of the area while officers conduct an investigation,” they noted.

Here's what happened at Independence High School.

Independence High School shooting: Blow-by-blow account

The shooting took place during a football game between Independence High School and Centennial High School. An Independence staff member told local channel Eyewitness News that a fight had broken out.

Then, one person was shot in the chest. No details on the suspect has been released yet. The condition of the person shot remains unknown.

“Media staging will be outside of main gates of the Independence High School football field,” cops noted.

Meanwhile, scary videos emerged from the scene of the shooting.

Independence High School shooting: Scary videos emerge

“Possible shooting at independence high school look for your kids!,” one person wrote.

Sirens could be heard in the distance. Another clip showed massive police presence there.

“Check on y'all kids and family members… Shooting at Independence High School,” a person wrote. Yet another said “Shooting at Independence High. My son’s ok. Check on your people if they are there.”

A video from the football field was also shared online. An ambulance could be seen in the clip.

“Independence vs Centennial football game tonight had multiple reports of gun shots. Bakersfield Police Department is on scene,” the page noted.

Clips on X also appeared to show the exact moment the shot had been fired at Independence High School.

Another clip showed people attempting to rush out of the football game after shots rang out.

Additional clips captured the chaos and fear among attendees of the football game at Independence High in the aftermath of the shooting.

Independence High School shooting: Prayer held at game

Bakersfield Christian High School football team and Faith Lutheran High School joined together to pray during the halftime of their game, amid the shooting at Independence High School Friday night, as per a local report.

The shooting came as numerous high schools had their first football game.

Many also reacted to the shooting reports at Independence High School. “Kids HS was shot at during a football game. I’ve thought my kids to hide, evade and escape during things like this. Glad my son and friends were able to get out safely. Parents please allow our law enforcement and ems to do their jobs and secure and clear the area. Yes it’s scary but allow them to do the job. Praying everyone is safe and well at the stadium,” one wrote.

The Daybreak Baptist Church added “There was a shooting tonight at the Independence Football game. Many of our youth group students were in attendance. Lord Jesus, help our city.”

See Less