California Shooting Perpetrator Was Former Military Soldier with Psychological Trauma
Following a shooting at a bar in California, police have identified the attacker. He is David Long, a 28-year-old former U.S. Marine. Before being killed, Long murdered at least 12 people.
The attacker entered a nightclub in the city of “Thousand Oaks,” near Los Angeles, on Wednesday evening, November 16 (November 7), and began firing at the crowd present there. At least 12 people have been killed. The attacker is also said to have been killed, but the manner of his death remains unclear.
Meanwhile, police have identified the attacker. He was David Long, a former U.S. Navy soldier. He suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These injuries stemmed from his military service and likely from combat zones.
According to Al Jazeera, the attacker used an automatic weapon and smoke grenades in this attack. Meantime, officials have not released reports on the possible number of injured.
Eyewitnesses told CNN that a large number of students had gathered in this club, and when the shooting began, some of those present escaped by breaking windows.
David Long was previously known to police for committing certain “minor offenses.” Police had visited him due to a car accident and complaints about him disturbing the peace.
He is said to have displayed “angry” and “irrational” behavior during his criminal activities. Following this, psychologists examined him and reviewed his mental state, then released him.
Jeff Dean, chief of the Ventura County Police, says that David Long very likely suffered psychological trauma during his military service and consequently suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Many American media outlets, citing police intelligence sources, report that David Long legally purchased his weapon. However, this has not been officially confirmed.
According to the local newspaper “Ventura County Star,” the attacker fired at least 30 shots. He used a semi-automatic weapon.
After the shooting, the attacker’s lifeless body was found. His motives remain unknown.
Source: DW
