California shooting: First victims named from Thousand Oaks bar massacre police identify gunman as Ian David Long
Twelve victims gunned down include Justin Meek, 23, Alaina Housley, 18, Cody Coffman, 22 and Sheriff's Sergeant Ron Helus
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Your support makes all the difference.Details are emerging of the identities of victims after at least 12 people were killed and around a dozen more injured in a mass shooting at a bar in Thousand Oaks, California.
The shooting began late Wednesday night in the Borderline Bar & Grill, sending people diving under pool tables and other furniture for cover. Witnesses and victims said that stools were thrown through windows to enable bar patrons to get away from the hail of bullets.
A college country music night was underway when the gunman - dressed in black - shot a security guard who was standing outside the bar before entering. Witnesses suggested a smoke grenade may have been thrown.
Officials identified Ian David Long, of nearby Newbury Park, California, as the suspected shooter. Long was killed at the bar, and police said he carried out the massacre with a legal .45-calibre handgun that he had fitted with an extended magazine illegal in California. He had apparently shot himself.
Police first began identifying victims of the Thousand Oaks attack less than 12 hours after the gunman’s last shot rang out, including Sergeant Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. In a press conference on Thursday, Mr Dean praised the work of his office — including the sacrifice from Mr Helus — for working fast in response to the shooting at the packed college night bar. At least five off-duty law enforcement officers helped to protect people.
Cody Coffman, 22, was also killed, according to his father Jason. Mr Coffman broke down as he told reporters how his last words to his son as he went out that night were not to drink and drive and that he loved him. He added: “Oh Cody, I love you son.”
The family of 23-year-old Justin Meek said he was also killed, according to California Lutheran University President Chris Kimball, who said in a statement that Mr Meek ”heroically saved lives”.
Another victim, Alaina Housley was just 18, and was a promising student at Pepperdine University with plans to study law, her family said.
Other victims include Noel Sparks who was a youth camp leader and Moorpark College student. The death was announced by United Methodist Church Westlake Village. "It is with heavy hearts that we notify you that Noel Sparks was among the victims of last night's shooting. We grieve with Tony Sparks and Wendy Anderson," the church said in a statement.
Daniel Manrique, 33, was a Marine veteran and focused on helping other veterans adjust to civilian life, according to friends. “I have no doubt that he died a hero, shielding others from gunshots. He will forever be our hero, son, brother, and the best uncle anybody could ever ask for,” Gladys Manrique Kosack, a family member said.
Telemachus Orfanos was identified by his mother who said the he had survived the mass shooting in Las Vegas last year. Jake Dunham and Blake Dingman, both 21, were identified by local Los Angeles outlet ABC7.
Sean Adler, a bouncer at the bar and former wrestling coach at Simi Valley High School, perished in the California shooting and was remembered by the local wrestling community.
Follow how events unfolded in our live blog below:
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The FBI has searched the home of 28-year-old Ian David Long, the suspected shooter who was found dead inside the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousands Oaks, California, where the veteran has been accused of killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens of others.
Senator Patrick Leahy has released the following statement: “We can't become numb to this. Yet again, innocent Americans, just going about their lives, are senselessly gunned down. We're the only advanced country where going out to dance, or showing up at school, could be a death sentence. We must demand better.”
The Associated Press has released this report about Ron Helus’ final call before the sheriff’s sergeant attempted to rescue victims in America’s latest mass shooting:
Ventura County sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Helus was talking to his wife when calls started coming in about a shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill.
“Hey, I got to go handle a call. I love you. I’ll talk to you later,” he told her, according to Sheriff Geoff Dean.
It was the last time she would talk to her husband.
Helus rushed toward the shooting and immediately exchanged fire with the shooter inside the bar, Dean said. Helus was hit multiple times and died at a hospital.
Law enforcement is preparing to hold a press conference momentarily to provide updates on the shooting massacre at Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousands Oaks, California.
GoFundMe has established a fundraising campaign to support survivors and victims’ families. The donations page can be reached here.
Facebook has said it removed accounts associated with 28-year-old Ian David Long, a former Marine who opened fire on the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousands Oaks, California:
The massacre in California is the deadliest shooting in the nation since the Parkland school shooting on Valentine's Day.
The press conference has begun, with Police Captain Garokorde telling reporters a full list of victims identifications will be released later tonight.
“The FBI is here to support Ventura County” an FBI official said, adding the crime scene and suspect’s vehicle and home are still being investigated. The federal agency is working to uncover a potential motive or “any potential radicalization,” noting there are “no other threats to the Los Angeles area.”
Congresswoman Julia Brownley thanked law enforcement and FBI officials for “coming here to help us,” noting the quick response of first responders.
“Our hearts break, we are a community in mourning,” she said. “We are here to support you and to help you in any way we can.”
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