Three people dead after 'ex-cop' opens fire in mass shooting at world-famous bar
Three people were killed and another six injured after a gunman, who was also killed, opened fire at a world-famous biker bar.
The bloodshed unfolded at the popular Cook's Corner establishment in California after a gunman - believed to be a retired law enforcement officer from the Ventura Police Department - went on the rampage.
Horrifying images taken at the scene show blood inside the famous bar, which appears to indicate the dragging of a body through the facility. There are also pictures and videos of dead bodies covered in blankets outside.
Sources claimed the gunman, who had been retired since 2014, was targeting his estranged wife. "Believed to be multiple victims from gunshot," the Orange County Sheriff's Department tweeted.
Swarms of police cars and ambulances descended on the bar, while paramedics were seen giving emergency care to the wounded. The shooting was reported at around 7pm.
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The sheriff's department said: "Incident scene at Cook's Corner is static. We are in unified command with Orange County Fire Authority. Confirmed 4 deceased at scene, inc. the shooter. 6 transported to hospitals, 5 reported w/gunshot wounds. Officer-involved shooting occurred during the incident. No deputies injured."
Sources told the LA Times the gunman was aiming for his estranged wife. It is unclear if the shooter followed her to the bar before opening fire in the crowded space. It is also unknown if he killed himself at the scene or was shot.
The wife became one of the victims in the shooting and was announced as one of the four dead. There were allegedly as many as 30 or 40 witnesses to the shooting, Undersheriff Jeff Hallock said in a press conference, but it's unclear how many were inside the establishment at the time.
Two of the victims who survived were in critical condition, Providence Mission Hospital, a trauma center in Mission Viejo, said in a statement.
The bar, in the rural Trabuco Canyon region, has been a popular watering hole for travelling bikers for decades. It is a 55-mile drive from Los Angeles city centre.
The suspect is believed to be a retired law enforcement official who was killed in the incident (abc7)M Street - a five-piece Orange County rock band - was due to perform at the venue before the bloodshed unfolded.
Many motorcycle riders and enthusiasts gather at Cook's Corner on week nights and during the weekend for live music, open-mic nights or just a cold beer after a long ride.
Hours before the shooting, several patrons were stopping by for an afternoon drink and meal. Rows of motorcycles and bikes framed the gravel entrance as plaques described the storied history of the bar built in 1884.
The bar, just south of Los Angeles, is a popular drinking spot for bikers (cbs)California Governor Gavin Newsom was monitoring the shooting "and coordinating with local officials as more details become available", his office tweeted.
Democratic Senator Dave Min said in a statement: “I’m heartbroken by the news of yet another mass shooting tonight, this time at Cook’s Corner, a historic bar in the heart of Orange County. My heart breaks for the families and loved ones of the victims.”
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Min said he and his team are monitoring the situation and "will do everything [they] can to support law enforcement."
He called his district "one of the safest areas in the country" despite it being "repeatedly afflicted with the scourge of mass shootings.
(KCBS/KCAL)"There is no place in America that is safe from the scourge of gun violence. There is no community not affected," he added.
Representative Young Kim wrote: "I’m devastated to learn this horrific news at Cook’s Corner tonight. My team and I are closely monitoring the situation and have been in contact with local law enforcement as we wait to learn more. My heart is with the victims and our canyon communities."
County Supervisor Katrina Foley took to Twitter and wrote: "Heartbroken to hear of another senseless mass shooting, this time in our own backyard. My office has received updates from the DA and Sheriff’s Department, I am continuing to watch this closely."
The historic bar where the shooting occurred is known of its resilience, however, and is likely to bounce back from the tragedy. It's website reads: "We've experienced major earthquakes, forest fires, floods, recessions and other disasters. We've gotten through all of them and came out stronger."
We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and videos on this breaking news story.
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