In what prosecutors described as an “unprovoked attack,” a California man has been charged with felony assault after shooting a Black man who was walking to the grocery store while staying in a neighboring Airbnb.
Two months after the Oct. 2 shooting, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office announced that Mark Waters, 66, was charged with felony assault with a semi-automatic firearm resulting in significant bodily injury and personal use of a gun.
As law enforcement looks into possible hate crimes, Waters could face more charges.
On the night of the shooting, the unarmed 21-year-old had left his Airbnb to walk to a neighboring grocery store.
The district attorney’s office claimed that when the man crossed the street, Waters appeared from his residence and “quickly approached him while holding a black handgun.”
District Attorney Jeff Rosen condemned the shooting saying, “Everyone should be safe walking to the store.”
“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,” Rosen added.
An Airbnb spokesperson said, “We condemn this vicious and unprovoked attack.”
“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’s statement said.
