At least four dead in shooting at historic California biker bar

Suspect is identified as retired law enforcement officer

At least four people have died and six others were wounded in a mass shooting at a well-known bikers’ bar in Trabuco Canyon, California.

According to initial reports, a retired law enforcement officer opened fire at the biker’s cafe called Cook’s Corner.

The gunman has been shot dead by deputies who responded to the scene, local TV station KCAL News reported, and is among the death toll of four.

There were “multiple victims” and the injured were being taken to hospital with gunshot wounds, the Orange Country Sheriff said in an earlier post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Orange County law enforcement officials said that the mass shooting began at 7pm local time at Cook’s Corner in the 19000 block of Santiago Canyon Road.

The incident is believed to have started following a domestic dispute between the retired law enforcement officer and his wife. The altercation escalated into a mass shooting with multiple people being shot dead, KCAL News reported.

Visuals on social media showed dozens of police vehicles and ambulances converging at the scene.

California governor Gavin Newsom was monitoring the shooting and “coordinating with local officials as more details become available,” his office tweeted.

Six people who suffered injuries were taken to hospital. Five of them suffered gunshot wounds, the sheriff’s department posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Two people were in critical condition, Providence Mission Hospital, a trauma center in Mission Viejo, said in a statement.

Expressing his sorrow, California state senator Dave Min issued a statement urging an end to the scourge of gun violence.

“I’m devastated by the news of yet another mass shooting tonight, this time at Cook’s Corner, a historic bar in the heart of Orange County,” the Democrat said.

In a press conference late at night, Orange County Sheriff’s Office said it was a “very difficult night” and they are working through a “complex and detailed scene”.

The sheriff said they recovered one weapon from the scene and there were 30 to 40 witnesses at the time of the incident.

But he did not share more details, citing an ongoing investigation.

Cook’s Corner, where the mass shooting broke out on Wednesday evening, is a popular, longtime watering hole for the biker community in Southern California.

It is “considered to be one of the most famous biker bar & restaurants in Southern California,” its website says.

Many motorcycle riders and enthusiasts come there on weeknights and during the weekend to enjoy live music, open-mic nights or just a cold beer after a long ride.

Hours before the shooting, several patrons were stopping by Cook’s Corner for an afternoon drink and meal.

Rows of motorcycles and bikes framed the gravel entrance where plaques describe the storied history of the bar built in 1884.