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A Black man renting an Airbnb property in San Jose, California was shot by a white neighbor as he was walking to get groceries.
According to NBC News, the white neighbor, 66-year-old Mark Waters, faces charges of felony assault with a semi-automatic firearm resulting in great bodily injury and personal use of a firearm following the October shooting of a Black Airbnb guest.
The victim, 21, who was unarmed, left his rental property to walk to a nearby grocery store on October 2 when Waters exited his home and "quickly approach[ed] him while holding a black handgun,” the district attorney’s office said.
As the Airbnb guest attempted to flee to safety, Waters fired a single shot while his back was turned, resulting in "serious injuries" to his leg.
Police responded to the scene, medically assisting the victim and seizing multiple firearms from Waters' home, according to prosecutors.
Waters was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County Jail. He may face further charges as law enforcement officials are also investigating hate crime allegations.
“Everyone should be safe walking to the store,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a statement. “We will not tolerate such senseless and violent acts in this county. We wish the victim a speedy recovery and will make sure he receives justice for this brutal assault."
An Airbnb spokesperson also condemned the "vicious and unprovoked attack," per NBC News.
"We thank the San Jose Police Department as well as the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office for their work to hold the perpetrator accountable and to send a message that hate crimes have no place in our society,” Airbnb said in a statement.
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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
The National Alliance on Mental Illness 1-800-950-6264
The Association of Black Psychologists 1-301-449-3082
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America 1-240-485-1001
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