Black Airbnb guest shot while walking to get groceries

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An unarmed, 21-year-old black Airbnb guest in San Jose, Calif., was heading to a nearby grocery store when a white neighbor came out and shot him in what prosecutors called an ‘unprovoked’ attack .

San Jose Mark Waters, 66, was charged with felony assault with a semi-automatic firearm causing grievous bodily harm and personal use of a firearm, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. Waters was arraigned Monday, Dec. 12, in the San Jose Hall of Justice.

According to a statement District Attorney Jeff Rosen said the “unprovoked” attack happened on the night of October 2. The unnamed victim was crossing the street on his way to the grocery store when he saw Waters coming out of a house and quickly approaching him while holding a black handgun.

As the victim tried to flee, Waters fired a single shot, which resulted in serious injuries to the victim’s leg.

“Everyone should walk safely to the store,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. “We will not tolerate such senseless and violent acts in this county. We wish the victim a speedy recovery and will ensure that he receives justice for this brutal assault.

Potential hate crime as black Airbnb guest shot dead

Law enforcement arrived and administered first aid to the victim. Police also obtained video footage of the shooting from a close neighbor. They also seized several firearms from Waters’ home before arresting him and placing him in the county jail.

It’s unclear what motivated the suspect, but when it comes to hate crimes, black Americans are the the most targeted by far, according to the latest FBI data.

“We condemn this vicious and unprovoked attack,” an Airbnb spokesperson said Monday. BNC News reported.

After nearly a hundred years of deadlock, Congress finally passed a anti-lynching law earlier this year. However, many continue to ask the federal government to Do more fight the rise of race-based violence.

In Waters’ case, law enforcement is investigating possible hate crime charges and is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact San Jose Police Detectives Lucas Gaarde and Jessica Lindenberg at (408 ) 277-4161.