Spartan College Shooting: Incident Overview, Response, and Community Impact

On May 2, 2025, the Inglewood campus of the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology was shaken by a tragic event. A shooting occurred, leaving two employees critically injured and prompting a swift response from local authorities and emergency services. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Spartan College shooting, the immediate response, and the ongoing impact on the community.

Police cars parked outside Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology following the Spartan College shooting, May 2025

What Happened During the Spartan College Shooting?

According to reports, the incident happened at approximately 3:39 p.m. at the Inglewood campus, located just a mile from Los Angeles International Airport. The shooter, believed to be a former employee, entered the campus wearing a security guard uniform and opened fire inside an office, critically injuring two female employees.

Police arrived within minutes after the first emergency call. The Los Angeles Times detailed how officers, alongside fire department personnel, secured the campus and provided urgent medical attention to the victims. The victims were transported to a trauma center in Long Beach, where they received medical treatment for their injuries.

Police Response and Suspect Apprehension

Law enforcement took the threat seriously and conducted a thorough, room-by-room search of the Spartan College campus to ensure the safety of students and staff. The Inglewood Police Department, with the help of the Los Angeles Police Department and other partner agencies, tracked down the suspect within a few hours. As described in ABC7 Los Angeles' coverage, the suspect was apprehended in Koreatown by LAPD officers after critical details about the vehicle and license plate were shared across agencies.

The authorities reported that the motive was related to workplace issues, and there was no indication that this was a random act of violence. Officials recovered a 9mm shell casing from the scene.

Reactions from the Community and Officials

Both students and staff were alarmed by the sudden violence on campus. One student told ABC7 News that everyone was told to shelter in place for about 90 minutes during the police search. The campus president emphasized the school's commitment to safety and the close-knit nature of the Spartan community, highlighting regular safety drills in place before the incident.

The mayor of Inglewood, James T. Butts Jr., reassured the public that the shooting appeared to be targeted and related to employment at the college. Local leaders expressed concern about the effects such events can have on a community's sense of security.

More information about the injuries and emergency response can be found through ABC News' national reporting, which also outlines the rapid involvement of law enforcement and first responders.

Campus Security and Safety Moving Forward

Spartan College provides aviation maintenance education and equips students with essential skills for their careers. In response to the Spartan College shooting, administrators reinforced their dedication to campus safety, indicating a review of existing security protocols.

Campus President Christopher Becker stated that security measures are strong, with 24/7 surveillance and regular drills for staff and students. The Spartan community has been encouraged to support one another and remain vigilant in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Conclusion

The Spartan College shooting deeply affected the Inglewood community and highlighted the importance of robust campus safety. Thanks to the fast actions of first responders and law enforcement, the threat was contained quickly, and the suspect was taken into custody. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the recovery of the victims and efforts to ensure such incidents do not happen again.

For expanded details on the shooting and its impact, consider reading updates from the Los Angeles Times, ABC News, and ABC7 Los Angeles.