A gunman opened fire killing 12 people at Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California a little after 2 a.m. on Thursday morning, according to police. Wednesday night was the bar’s college country music night, where Pepperdine University and California Lutheran University reportedly have student attendance.
Pepperdine officials are working with authorities and will provide updates as more information is available. The University offers its deepest condolences and is praying for everyone involved in tonight’s tragic events. (2/2)
— Pepperdine University (@pepperdine) November 8, 2018
The shooter has been identified as 28-year-old Ian David Long, who had previously served in the Marine Corps, CNN reports. Long reportedly killed himself when police entered the bar.
The shooter had used a legally obtained handgun, with an extended magazine, according to The New York Times. Long had had a history of confrontation with law enforcement, including a conversation with a mental health specialist after a disturbance at his home. The Times reports that health specialists had surveyed him for post-traumatic distress order, and had concluded that he was not a danger to himself.
At the night of the shooting, a security guard and cashier were shot before Long fired into the crowd. CNN reports that people thought they were fireworks at first. A witness told the Times, that the gunman “had perfect form” and “appeared focused”.
Senator Kamala Harris of California, tweeted that, “leaders in congress must act – not some day, but now” after hearing the tragic news.
My heart aches to learn about the horrific shooting in Thousand Oaks on college night. Praying for the injured and the families of those killed who, like so many others, have lost their loved ones to gun violence. Leaders in Congress must act — not some day, but now.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) November 8, 2018
Law enforcement also reported that Sergeant Ron Helus was killed responding to the site. Helus who was set to retire in one year. He was shot upon entering the bar to help save those inside. Donald Trump commented on the “great bravery shown by police,” saying “thank you to Law Enforcement”.
I have been fully briefed on the terrible shooting in California. Law Enforcement and First Responders, together with the FBI, are on scene. 13 people, at this time, have been reported dead. Likewise, the shooter is dead, along with the first police officer to enter the bar….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 8, 2018
….Great bravery shown by police. California Highway Patrol was on scene within 3 minutes, with first officer to enter shot numerous times. That Sheriff’s Sergeant died in the hospital. God bless all of the victims and families of the victims. Thank you to Law Enforcement.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 8, 2018
Kellyanne Conway spoke with Fox News, on Thursday saying that, “You know how this goes. You’ve got loved ones still probably searching for their children. You have first responders and emergency room personnel treating the wounded, and this investigation will continue.”
Jim Himes, Representative from Connecticut spoke with CNN, speaking out about inaction in Congress.
“I’m embarrassed to say … my first thought was, ‘here we go again, it’s this week’s mass shooting,’ and that’s a really hard way to think about this,” Himes said, calling for action.
According to Gun Violence Archive there have been 12,477 deaths due to guns and 307 mass shootings just this year. The investigation is still underway.