Pearsall is reported to be in “stable condition” following the incident, which occurred during an attempted armed robbery. The police believe the suspect acted alone, and the individual has since been arrested.
Both Ricky Pearsall and the shooter were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
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49ers Rookie Ricky Pearsall Involved In Shooting
Police chief Bill Scott spoke at a news briefing following the incident, where he identified the shooter as a 17-year-old male.
“A struggle between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect ensued and gunfire from the suspect’s gun struck both Mr. Pearsall and the suspect,” Scott said, per Us Weekly. “This kind of violence is simply unacceptable in our city and we will do everything in our power to work with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to ensure that justice is served in this matter.”
Following the shooting, Pearsall was seen walking to the ambulance while covering a chest wound, as captured in a video posted by a KTVU reporter on social media.
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Ricky Pearsall In ‘Serious But Stable Condition’
On Sunday morning, his mother, Erin Pearsall, shared on Facebook that he was shot through the chest, but fortunately, the bullet did not strike any vital organs.
“Update on my baby boy. First and far most I want to thank GOD for protecting my baby boy,” she said in her statement. “He is extremely lucky, GOD shielded him.”
“He was shot in the best and it exited out his back,” she continued. “Thanks be to GOD it missed his vital organs. He is in good spirits right now. Life is so precious, my friends. Please love each other. My son was spared today by the grace of GOD.”
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San Francisco 49ers Release A Statement
Following the news, the NFL team shared a statement on social media. “San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was the victim of an attempted robbery and shooting this afternoon,” the 49ers said. “He sustained a bullet wound to his chest and is in serious but stable condition.”
“We ask that you please respect his privacy at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ricky and the entire Pearsall family,” the team added.
The city’s mayor, London Breed, also released a statement on the situation.
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“This is how we hold people accountable in San Francisco. Robberies and any violence like this will not be tolerated in our city,” Breed said, per Us Weekly. “This was a terrible and rare incident in Union Square and our thoughts are with Ricky Pearsall and his family. He has a bright future and I look forward to seeing him recover and get back on the field.”
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NFL Players Release Statements Following The Incident
The 49ers picked Pearsall with the 31st overall draft pick, joining a wide receiver lineup that already features All-Pro Deebo Samuel.
Shortly after the shooting was reported, Samuel took to X, the social media platform formely known as Twitter, to reassure fans that Pearsall is “good.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White, who played with Pearsall at Arizona State, said, “Man no my dawg dis shi- is sickening tf!!!! Dis getting outta hand!!!”
Ricky Pearsall Was Already Limited In Practice Due To Injuries
Injuries had already restricted Pearsall’s first NFL training camp, as he spent time on the reserve/non-football injury list due to a hamstring issue and worked through a shoulder injury after his activation.
It is currently uncertain how much additional time he will miss due to his gunshot wound.
Pearsall played at Arizona State and Florida during his college career, amassing 965 receiving yards and six total touchdowns in his final season with the Gators. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the first-round earlier this year.
Ricky Pearsall was the 31st overall pick of the draft.
