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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
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:
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load
Pepperdine University has released a statement on the mass shooting, saying: "The university has received reports that several Pepperdine students were at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks this evening when a gunman reportedly entered the location and began shooting.
"At this time, the university is working to identify and provide support to those students.
"Pepperdine officials are in contact with appropriate government agencies and will provide updates on the status of the situation as information is available."
Police officers interview people outside the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks (JEREMY CHILDS/AFP/Getty Images)
Eleven victims were killed in the shooting and the suspect was found dead inside, police have said.
A Ventura County sheriff's deputy was also killed in the shooting, police confirmed.
Thirteen people were killed in total, including the sheriff's sergeant and the shooter, Ventura County sheriff Geoff Dean confirmed.
Sergeant Ron Helus responded to the scene of the shooting and was shot after he entered the building, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said.
He later died at a hospital.
Authorities did not say how the gunman died.
Sheriff Dean said around 10 other people were shot and wounded.
Thousand Oaks shooting victims recall being inside venue during gunfire.
"It's a horrific scene in there," Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said at a news conference in the car park of the Borderline Bar & Grillearlier. "There's blood everywhere."
Ron Helus, the sheriff's sergeant who responded to the scene and was shot as he entered the building, later dying in hospital, was a 29-year veteran of the force with a wife and son and planned to retire in the coming year, said Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean.
Sheriff Dean choked back tears several times as he talked about the sergeant, who was also his long-time friend.
"Ron was a hardworking, dedicated sheriff's sergeant who was totally committed," Mr Dean said.
"And tonight, as I told his wife, he died a hero because he went in to save lives."
Survivors of the bar shooting described moments of panic and heroism as a gunman turned a dance floor into a killing zone.
Nineteen-year-old Tayler Whitler said she was dancing and her friends were at a table by the door as the gunman opened fire.
She said everyone yelled "Get down!" and it was silent for a couple seconds, then she heard "Get up, he's coming!" and people were trampling on each other to get out.
Nineteen-year-old Erika Sigman found herself hiding with a group of strangers, and they were holding her hands.
She saud "there is a lot of bad in this world, but there is also a lot of good and people will help".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments