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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Per AP:
"Sister Sister" actress Tamera Mowry-Housley and her husband are looking for their missing niece following the mass shooting at the Southern California bar.
A suitemate of the couple's niece, Alaina Housely, went on Twitter to say her friend was missing and offered a description of what she was wearing.
Mowry-Housley responded by identifying herself as Housley's aunt and sought to contact the suitemate directly.
The White House has tweeted the following message in the wake of America’s latest mass shooting:
Thousand Oaks, California is considered one of America’s safest cities, while the state leads the nation among having the toughest gun laws.
Jason Coffman, a father who has been awaiting to learn more about his 22-year-old son, Cody, has confirmed to reporters he was killed during the shooting massacre inside the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks.
Cody Coffman, named as one of the first identified victims in the California shooting massacre, was at the bar on Wednesday night when Ian David Long allegedly began open firing on the crowded venue.
His father had been searching for him all day, while awaiting information.
At least 23 additional victims were injured in Wednesday night's shooting, along with the 12 that were killed after suspect Ian Long allegedly opened fire at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California.
Below is Ian David Long's Marine service record, which the military released on Thursday after he allegedly stormed the Borderline Bar & Grill in California, killing at least 12 victims:
Twitter users have pointed out that, as initial reports came in surrounding the massacre in California, countless conservatives influencers and right-wing outlets claimed the shooter was a "Middle Eastern male."
To be clear, the suspect has been identified as 28-year-old Ian David Long, a former Marine who may have suffered from PTSD, according to police and local neighbours.
Here's the latest on a performance scheduled Thursday night at the Borderline Bar & Grill, via the Associated Press:
The rock group America says it has postponed its show at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza out of respect for victims of Wednesday’s mass shooting at a nearby bar.
The group says Thursday night’s show will be rescheduled to a later date.
In a message from their publicist, founding members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell offered their “deepest sympathies” to family and friends of those killed and injured.
The band known for songs like “Ventura Highway” and “A Horse With No Name” is currently on a US tour.
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