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The massage therapist who was critically wounded during a shooting at an Oakland spa earlier this week was injured while protecting his colleagues and customers, according to an update from the business.
New details have emerged about the shooting on Tuesday where an employee at Kume Spa’s Grand Avenue location entered the business and killed a female worker and critically wounded another employee before fatally shooting herself.
The spa, which has been closed until further notice following the incident, organized a GoFundMe for the hospitalized shooting victim, identified as “Joe,” to help him and his with his medical expenses and “essential necessities.” Organizers also provided an update on his condition and provided additional information about what happened on Feb. 1.
“The aftermath has left our employees filled with shock and grief,” GoFundMe organizers wrote. “During this extremely difficult time, we greatly appreciate the overwhelming love and support from our local community and longtime customers.”
Organizers said Joe has woken up from a coma, and “embarked on his long road to recovery.” When he regained consciousness, his first words were to ask about the well-being of his coworkers.
According to spa owners, Joe was shot multiple times “while making sure his other coworkers were hidden in safe places.” Another employee, identified as “Thom,” who was uninjured, alerted the front desk to evacuate and called 911.
“We are so grateful and proud of these two employees who stepped up, risking their own lives, to protect their co-workers and clients,” the spa owners said in the statement emailed to customers on Saturday. “Their bravery saved countless lives and we are honored to know, and work with, these heroes.”
“While we cannot speak to the state of mind of the shooter, who was sadly one of our staff and later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital, this tragedy was a reminder to all of us that we never know what someone is experiencing in their private lives.”
The identity of both the shooter and female victim who was killed have not been released. Police have not released information about a possible motive for the incident, though they previously said they don’t believe it was a random act of violence.
As of publication, Joe’s GoFundMe has reached over $13,000 of donations in less than 24 hours, with a goal of $25,000. To donate to the GoFundMe, click here. All proceeds will directly go to Joe and his family.
People may also donate to the GoFundMe to benefit Kume Spa here, which will go towards lost wages for staff during the closure, funeral expenses, long-term grief counseling and trauma therapy, and “repairing the spa so it can return to a peaceful sanctuary for our community.”
“At this time we are focused on healing. We are grateful to our employees and community for their support, we need it now more than ever,” the owners said.