While the investigation is ongoing, on Monday authorities said the shooting appeared to be motivated by a gambling debt.
“Both the victim and suspect were VTA employees, both employed as bus drivers and assigned to the Chaboya yard,” Capt. Sugey Jaimez of the sheriff’s office said during the news conference.
“They were known to participate in the same activities outside their VTA employment,” Jaimez continued. “Although this investigation is still ongoing, we believe the motive had to do with money owed between the two from their betting activities, which had nothing to do with their employment.”
Around 9:40 p.m. Friday, the San José Police Department received a 911 call from someone reporting that a person was shot at the VTA Chaboya bus yard parking lot. The transit agency confirmed the victim was a VTA employee but did not release their identity.
Santa Clara County Bob Jonsen referred to the fatal shooting as a “senseless crime.”
“And while it was an isolated, targeted event, we recognize the profound impact it has had on all of us,” Jonsen said. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and the VTA community during this difficult time.”
Officials did not elaborate on what might have happened in the lead up to the shooting, citing the ongoing investigation. Jaimez said authorities are not looking into any other people as possible suspects at this time. Officials said law enforcement presence would be stepped up at VTA yards and facilities for the foreseeable future.
On Monday, San José Mayor Matt Mahan applauded the sheriff’s office, as well as the San José’s police and fire departments for their quick response to the shooting and steadfast work to arrest Bui.
“I’m grateful to Sheriff Johnson and his entire team, who I know have had very little sleep over the last 72 hours,” he said. “I think that level of collaboration and coordination between all of our agencies is exactly what you expect and deserve from your government.”
Immediately after learning about the shooting, Gonot said the agency “made grief counselors available to employees and provided access to other resources.”
“VTA leaders, along with the unions, quickly joined our employees on site to lend physical and emotional support,” she continued. “These efforts will continue as long as needed.”
Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez alluded to the May 2021 mass shooting at the VTA rail yard, acknowledging Friday night’s shooting could be a painful time for some VTA employees and others.
“We were rebuilding after the tragic incident of three years ago, and so for many people this is reliving one of the worst experiences they’ve ever had in their life,” Chavez said. “And that’s why the mental health services. And that’s why us really wrapping our arms around each other is so important.”
This story has been updated.
