2 killed, 3 injured in California stabbing on U.S. Independence Day

Two people were killed and three others injured in a stabbing attack on July 4th in Huntington Beach, a seaside city in Southern California, authorities said on Friday, reported Xinhua.

Police officers responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon near 16th Street and Pecan Avenue at about 11:15 p.m. Thursday night local time, said the Huntington Beach Police Department in a news release.

Upon arrival, officers located several victims with significant injuries.

"As a result of this incident, unfortunately 2 individuals succumbed to their injuries. An additional 3 individuals were transported to a local area hospital with non-life threatening injuries," said the police department.

A suspect has been taken into custody and the investigation into the attack is still ongoing, according to police.

Violence erupted in a residential area of Huntington Beach when witnesses said a man got out of a car and started stabbing people who were celebrating the July 4th holiday, reported KTLA television station, the West Coast flagship of the CW Television Network.

A large group of friends and family had gathered to watch fireworks at the location, according to the report.

Witnesses told the news outlet that a man pulled up to the group in a vehicle, got out of a car and started stabbing people on the sidewalk. Two men who were part of the gathering tackled the assailant and held him until police arrived, said the report, citing authorities.

Officials said that they have "no reason to believe there is any further public safety threat related to this incident."