The quiet hum of daily life at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Inglewood, California, was shattered on Friday afternoon when a former employee, once entrusted with the campus’s safety, opened fire in an administrative office, leaving two women fighting for their lives. The shooting, which unfolded around 3:45 p.m. at 8911 Aviation Boulevard, sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of students, faculty, and staff, transforming a place dedicated to aviation education into the scene of a violent tragedy.
The two victims, both employees of the college, were rushed to a trauma center in Long Beach, where they remain in critical condition, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. One of the women, identified as a dean at the institution, was reportedly shot in the head in what Inglewood Mayor James Butts described as an “execution-style” attack. The second victim’s specific role at the college has not been disclosed, but both are described by colleagues as integral members of the campus community, known for their warmth and dedication. A staff member, speaking anonymously to local media, called them “the sweetest women,” noting he had been with them just moments before the gunfire erupted.
Authorities swiftly identified the suspect as a former security guard who had worked at the college for five years. His familiarity with the campus allowed law enforcement to pinpoint his identity and vehicle description almost immediately. By 5:45 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department officers apprehended the man in the Koreatown neighborhood, roughly 10 miles from the crime scene, after Inglewood police shared critical details with regional agencies. Witnesses reported that the suspect was still dressed in a security guard uniform during the attack, a chilling detail that underscored the betrayal felt by those who once saw him as a protector. A 9mm shell casing recovered at the scene and reports of the suspect carrying a rifle further painted a picture of premeditated violence.
Mayor Butts, a 19-year veteran of the Inglewood Police Department, emphasized that the shooting was not a random act but a targeted incident rooted in workplace grievances. “The crime motive was related to the employment at the school,” he told reporters, though he stopped short of elaborating on the specific circumstances that may have driven the suspect to such an extreme act. The college, which serves approximately 500 students and specializes in aviation maintenance training, is located just a mile from Los Angeles International Airport. Its focus on safety, reinforced through regular drills and 24/7 security, made the breach all the more jarring. Campus President Christopher Becker expressed the collective grief, stating, “We’re an aviation school, so safety is one of the things we focus on the most. This is hard on all of us.”
The immediate aftermath saw a robust law enforcement response, with aerial footage capturing dozens of officers swarming the campus. A precautionary lockdown kept students and staff sheltered in place for over an hour as police conducted a room-by-room search to ensure no additional threats remained. By 5:15 p.m., the campus was declared clear, but the emotional toll lingered. Students recounted moments of fear, some huddled in classrooms, others communicating with loved ones outside. Jacqueline, a teacher at a neighboring school whose boyfriend works at Spartan, described his terror as he heard shots from another room. “He was very shaken up and very scared,” she said.
As investigators work to unravel the motive, the incident has reignited broader conversations about workplace violence and campus safety. Spartan College, with multiple locations nationwide, prides itself on fostering a close-knit environment, making this tragedy particularly devastating. The Inglewood campus offers 18-month diploma and 22-month associate degree programs, preparing students for Federal Aviation Administration certification. Its proximity to a major airport and its reputation for excellence have long drawn aspiring aviation professionals, but now it grapples with an unprecedented crisis.
Police continue to interview witnesses and analyze evidence, with the suspect’s identity still withheld pending formal charges. The investigation remains fluid, and authorities have promised to release more details as they emerge. For now, the Spartan College community mourns, clinging to hope for the recovery of the two women whose lives hang in the balance. In a place built on precision and trust, the road to healing will be long and fraught, but the resilience of its people shines through in their shared sorrow and determination to move forward.