The California shooter was a former military man with mental health issues.
Police have identified the gunman who opened fire at a bar in California as David Long, a 28-year-old former U.S. Navy SEAL. Long killed at least 12 people before being killed himself.
A gunman entered a nightclub in Thousand Oaks, near Los Angeles, on Wednesday evening and opened fire on a crowd. At least 12 people were killed. The gunman is also believed to have been killed, but the manner of his death is still unknown.
Police have identified the attacker as David Long, a former U.S. Marine. He suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which stems from his time in the military, possibly in combat zones.
According to Al Jazeera, the attacker used an automatic weapon and smoke grenades in the attack. Meanwhile, officials have not released a report on the number of possible injuries.
Eyewitnesses told CNN that a large number of students had gathered at the club, and when the shooting began, some of those present fled the scene by breaking windows.
David Long was known to the police for some "petty offenses" in the past. He was called to the police after a car accident and a complaint was filed against him for disturbing the peace.
He was said to have been “angry” and “irrational” during his crimes. Following that, psychologists examined him and assessed his mental state, before releasing him.
Ventura County Police Chief Jeff Dean says David Long likely suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of his military service.
A number of American media outlets, citing police intelligence, have reported that David Long had purchased his weapon legally, but this has not been officially confirmed.
According to the local newspaper, the Ventura County Star, the attacker fired at least 30 shots. He used a semi-automatic weapon.
The attacker's body was found after the shooting. His motives are still unknown.
Source: DW
