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
Sheriff Geoff Dean said that the police response included several different agencies, and that one parent relayed a story from a parent who said an officer stood in front of their daughter.
"It was amazing. It was amazing", he said.
Sheriff Geoff Dean says that the officer who was killed was a 54-year-old veteran of the department, that he was married, and that he has a grown son.
Sheriff Geoff Dean said that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms is investigating where the gun originated. He is not sure yet where the suspect may have purchased the firearm.
He later noted that the department practices active shooter drills.
People sustained injuries he said, that were "relatively minor", in addition to the deaths. Some were cut from jumping out of windows, he said.
Sheriff Geoff Dean said that people hid in the attic, under pool tables, and elsewhere during the shooting.
"Unfortunately our young people ... have learned that this can happen," he said.
Investigators are waiting for a warrant to search the home of Ian David Long, the suspected shooter in Thousand Oaks, according to Sheriff Geoff Dean.
Sheriff Geoff Dean just noted that today is his second to last day as sheriff. He will "no longer be sheriff" as of tomorrow night at midnight.
Police are still searching for a motive in the shooting, and said that they swept through the suspect's home to make sure it was safe. They are still waiting for a warrant, according to the sheriff.
The suspect was an ex-Marine, and reportedly used one gun that was equipped with an extended magazine.
Among those in the Borderline Bar & Grill at the time of the shooting were six off-duty police officers from various agencies, according to Sheriff Geoff Dean.
He did not indicate if any of those officers were armed at the time.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments