Gunman in 2025 UC Davis Picnic Day shooting sentenced to 30 months in prison

Joseph Allen Davis pleaded guilty to federal firearm possession charge after injuring 3 people at Rainbow City Park

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing from a firearm, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The aftermath of the 2025 Picnic Day shooting in Davis serves as a somber reminder of the need for enhanced public safety measures at community events.Davis Today

A federal judge sentenced 20-year-old Joseph Allen Davis to 30 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, one year after he opened fire at a park during UC Davis' annual Picnic Day celebration, injuring three people.

Why it matters

The 2025 Picnic Day shooting had a lasting impact on the Davis community, prompting enhanced security measures for the upcoming event, including doubled police staffing and assistance from other law enforcement agencies.

The details

The shooting occurred on April 12, 2025, at Rainbow City Park in Davis. Law enforcement later found a loaded AR-15-style pistol in Davis' apartment. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms. In December, Davis pleaded guilty to the federal firearm possession charge.

  • The shooting took place on April 12, 2025, during UC Davis' annual Picnic Day celebration.
  • Davis pleaded guilty to the federal charge in December 2025.
  • The sentencing occurred in April 2026, one year after the initial shooting incident.

The players

Joseph Allen Davis

A 20-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a federal charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm after opening fire at a park during the 2025 UC Davis Picnic Day, injuring three people.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage our community and put public safety at risk.”

— Robert Jenkins, Davis Resident

What’s next

Davis police will double their staffing for the 2026 Picnic Day on Saturday, and several other agencies will assist, adding to patrols throughout the day and night alongside Davis police.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in balancing public safety and security measures at large events, while also addressing underlying issues of gun violence and repeat offenders.