Another sad scene was thrust on our society Wednesday night when a “mysterious man in black clutching a semi-automatic pistol” went into a California bar, filled with college students attending a “country night,” and opened fire, killing at least 12 people.
The gunman was also found dead at the scene.
According to Fox News:
Hundreds of people -- including students from California Lutheran University, private Christian school Pepperdine University and California State University Channel Islands -- were inside Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, Calif., for the country music event when shots suddenly rang out at about 11:20 p.m., Ventura County police said. Police said at least 30 shots were fired and the gunman, armed with a .45-caliber handgun, used a smoke device to disorient and confuse his targets.
Deputies and highway patrolmen arrived at the bar within minutes of receiving multiple 911 calls and began assessing the grim, gruesome situation, Sheriff Geoff Dean said during an early Thursday press conference.
One of the victims of the shooter was Sgt. Ron Helus of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. Helus was reportedly nearing retirement as he had been on the force for 29 years. Helus was taken to a local hospital but lost his battle early Thursday morning resulting from the multiple gunshot wounds he suffered.
Teylor Whittler spoke to “Fox & Friends” Thursday morning and said that the gunman seemed like he knew how to handle himself well with a weapon.
“While I was inside I would say [I heard]…about a good 30 seconds [of gunshots]…he had two [magazines] that I know with him. He changed them within about six seconds, which was really fast,” she said. “As soon as he walked in he had perfect form…he looked like he knew what he was doing. He had practiced, he had been shooting [before].”
For the full "Fox & Friends" interview with Whittler, watch below:
President Trump tweeted about the tragic shooting, where he applauded law enforcement’s response to the scene. Vice President Mike Pence also tweeted his condolences:
I have been fully briefed on the terrible shooting in California. Law Enforcement and First Responders, together with the FBI, are on scene. 13 people, at this time, have been reported dead. Likewise, the shooter is dead, along with the first police officer to enter the bar....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 8, 2018
....Great bravery shown by police. California Highway Patrol was on scene within 3 minutes, with first officer to enter shot numerous times. That Sheriff’s Sergeant died in the hospital. God bless all of the victims and families of the victims. Thank you to Law Enforcement.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 8, 2018
.@POTUS & I have been briefed on the attack in Thousand Oaks, CA. Our hearts are with the victims, survivors, & their families. A heroic sheriff’s sergeant was killed. We commend the action of all first responders...
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) November 8, 2018
…Please pray for comfort & healing for their families & all impacted. @POTUS directed the full resources of the federal government to support the investigation.
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) November 8, 2018
Stay tuned to MRCTV for any updates should they arise.