Police Probe Gang-Related Shooting at Anaheim Baby Shower That Hospitalised Children

A celebration turned into a scene of violence when gunfire erupted during a baby shower in Anaheim, California, on 28 February 2026. Three children and an adult bystander were wounded in what police described as a gang-related shooting.

​Anaheim Police Department officers responded to the 2000 block of S. Sprague Lane at about 7:15 p.m. on 28 February, where family and friends had gathered for an outdoor event. Investigators later concluded that four individuals, who were suspected gang members, engaged with members of their rival gang who were guests at the baby shower.​

The press release said, 'Investigators determined four gang members confronted rival gang members who were attending a baby shower and opened fire, striking three juveniles and an adult bystander.'

The release also stated, 'The suspects fled the scene on foot before officers' arrival. Patrol officers immediately secured the scene and began gathering critical information.'

​Three Children Hurt Stable, Adult Bystander Received Treatment

According to the police, the children who were hurt in the incident were taken to hospital and were declared in stable condition as of Tuesday evening. The adult bystander, on the other hand, received treatment at the scene of the shooting, per People.

​In the days after the incident, the police tracked down and arrested all four suspects believed to be involved in the shooting incident. The group includes Zine Jassim, 18, from Anaheim. Two others were apprehended in Whittier, California on Sunday, 1 March. APD confirmed the other two suspects were arrested in Santa Ana, California, on 2 March.

​The police said three of the other suspects are minors whose identities were not made public. Authorities also said that weapons were retrieved during the arrest: 'recovered an AR-style firearm and a handgun believed to have been used in the shooting.' Upon serving a search warrant at a home, the police also found additional ammunition.​

All suspects now face multiple charges that include attempted murder, conspiracy, weapons violations, assault, and gang enhancements, police said.

​Anaheim Police Chief Manny Cid said in a social media post, 'I am proud of the swift and professional response demonstrated by our team in identifying, locating, and safely apprehending those responsible. We will continue to pursue justice with determination and resolve.' He reiterated that individuals who threaten public safety will be held accountable.

Investigation and Community Impact​

Police explained the shooting stemmed from an apparent gang confrontation, with the suspects firing into the crowd before fleeing on foot. Officers immediately secured the area and began gathering evidence as ballistic and witness information were collected.

​The incident is part of a disturbing trend of gun violence affecting children and young residents across Southern California. Recently, in Garden Grove, California, a suspected gang-related shooting left a 16-year-old dead and a 17-year-old injured. Similarly, in Tulare, California, authorities recovered two firearms and arrested three suspects following multiple shots that injured a child.​

These past incidents have heightened community concerns about public safety at neighbourhood events. Law enforcement agencies continue to emphasise the importance of community cooperation.