🛑 Spartan College Shooting in Inglewood: Incident, Response & Community Impact
A tragic incident unfolded on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Inglewood, California, when a former employee opened fire on campus, critically injuring two female staff members. This shocking act of workplace violence not only disrupted daily life at the institution but raised pressing concerns about campus security, mental health support, and employee background checks within educational environments.
📍 What Happened at Spartan College?
Around 3:39 PM, the sound of gunfire rattled the normally quiet campus at 8911 Aviation Blvd, just a short distance from LAX Airport. The shooting took place in an administrative office. Two female employees were targeted and critically wounded. Both were swiftly transported to a trauma center in Long Beach for emergency treatment.
👮♂️ Law enforcement acted swiftly, placing the campus under lockdown as they searched for the shooter. Authorities recovered a 9mm shell casing from the scene, which later helped in confirming the weapon type used.
🧑✈️ Who Was the Suspect?
The suspect was identified as a male former employee, who was allegedly dressed to look like a security guard. He was armed with a rifle and fled the scene after the attack. Thanks to a coordinated manhunt, he was arrested at around 5:45 PM in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles.
💡 Police confirmed that the shooting was not random. The motive was directly connected to his previous employment at Spartan College, reinforcing the need for rigorous exit policies and monitoring of former staff.
🚨 Campus Reaction and Safety Protocol
Following the gunfire, the college immediately entered emergency lockdown mode. Students, staff, and visitors were directed to shelter in place. The lockdown lasted for more than an hour while police ensured the premises were safe.
By 5:15 PM, officers confirmed the threat had been neutralized and the lockdown was lifted. The event has prompted administrators to review and reinforce campus security policies, including access control and visitor tracking systems.
🛠 About Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology
Located near Los Angeles International Airport, Spartan College trains students in aviation maintenance, avionics, and aircraft systems technology. The Inglewood campus offers FAA-approved programs that lead to diplomas and associate degrees, preparing graduates for technical careers in the aviation sector.
🎓 Known for its rigorous academic structure and hands-on training, the school attracts students nationwide. The shooting has shaken the trust and safety perception of an otherwise close-knit community.
🗣️ Official Response
Chris Becker, the President of Spartan College, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He assured the public and families that the institution is taking every step to prevent such acts from occurring again.
💬 “Our campus has always been a safe, welcoming place. We’re committed to increasing on-campus patrols, reviewing emergency response plans, and offering counseling to those impacted.”
