The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations, Rui Bettencourt, expressed, on behalf of the Azorean Government, his “deep regret” for the tragic event that took place during the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California, United States of America.
 
In a message addressed to the Mayor of Gilroy, Roland Velasco, the Regional Government regrets that “a moment of socialisation and appreciation of the city's specificities, such as the Gilroy Garlic Festival, held for 40 years, is struck by the sadness of an event to which no one can remain indifferent."
 
“Unfortunately, there are few words that can express the feelings that are sweeping your city, but we would like share your grief. We are aware of the difficult moments faced by the inhabitants of a city that is home to many Portuguese emigrants from the Autonomous Region of the Azores,” says the message sent to the Mayor of that city.
 
Furthermore, the Azorean Government's message also sends “heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Gilroy community,” and the wishes for the speedy recovery to those injured during the incident.
 
A shooting in the park where the Gilroy Garlic Festival was taking place last Sunday caused four fatalities, including the shooter, and 15 people injured.
 
Gilroy is a sister city of Angra do Heroísmo and, according to Census data, Portuguese ancestry accounts for 2.8% (1,458) of the population of this city, where many Azoreans reside.