At least 14 people are reported dead in shooting at disabled centre in Southern California

[webfact]

At least 14 people are reported dead in shooting at disabled centre in Southern California

SAN BERNARDINO: -- At least one person opened fire in the Southern California city of San Bernardino on Wednesday and as many as 14 people are reported dead with several more wounded.

The San Bernardino Police Department said on Twitter that it had “confirmed 1 to 3 possible suspects” and multiple victims in the shooting. The agency called it an “active shooter” incident.

The San Bernardino Fire Department said in a tweet that it was responding to reports of 20 victims.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the shooting took place at about 11 a.m. at a social service office in San Bernardino.

A police spokeswoman told the Times that the suspects were heavily armed and possibly wearing body armor.


-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2015-12-03

[webfact]

14 dead, more than a dozen wounded in California shooting
AMANDA LEE MYERS, Associated Press
JUSTIN PRITCHARD, Associated Press

SAN BERNARDINO, California (AP) — As many as three gunmen believed to be wearing military-style gear opened fire Wednesday at a Southern California social services center "as if they were on a mission," killing at least 14 people and wounding more than a dozen others, authorities said.

Hours later, police hunting for the attackers riddled a black SUV with gunfire several miles away, and one person lay motionless in the street — dead or dying — with a gun nearby. Officers appeared to remove a second person from the vehicle.

San Bernardino Police Sgt. Vicki Cervantes said authorities had not immediately confirmed whether those in the SUV were involved in the morning carnage. And the hunt went on, apparently for a possible third gunman. A law officer suffered minor injuries in the afternoon shootout.

It was the nation's deadliest mass shooting since the Newtown, Connecticut, attack in December 2012 that left 26 children and adults dead.

Police shed no light on a motive for Thursday's massacre, which came just five days after a gunman opened fire at Planned Parenthood in Colorado, killing three.

"They came prepared to do what they did, as if they were on a mission," San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said, noting the attackers carried long guns — which can mean rifles or shotguns.

FBI agents and other law enforcement authorities converged on the center and searched room to room for the attackers, but they had apparently escaped.

Witnesses said several people locked themselves in their offices, desperately waiting to be rescued by police, after gunfire erupted at the Inland Regional Center, which serves people with developmental disabilities. Some people telephoned their loved ones and whispered to them what was going on.

The attack took place in a conference area where the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health was renting space to hold a banquet, said Marybeth Feild, president and CEO of the center. She said the building houses at least 25 employees as well as a library and conference center.

FBI agents and other law enforcement authorities converged on the center and searched room to room for the attacker or attackers, but it was feared that they had escaped.

Ten of the wounded were hospitalized in critical condition, and three were in serious condition, San Bernardino Fire Chief Tom Hannemann said. Police cautioned that the numbers of dead and wounded were early estimates that could change.

No weapons were recovered at the center, though authorities were investigating unidentified items in the building and brought in bomb squads, Burguan said.

San Bernardino police spokesman Sgt. Vicki Cervantes told The Associated Press there were reports from witnesses of one to three gunmen.

As the manhunt went on, stores, office buildings and at least one school were locked down in the city of 214,000 people about 60 miles (96 kilometers) east of Los Angeles, and roads were blocked off.

Triage units were set up outside the center, and people were seen being wheeled away on stretchers. Others walked quickly from a building with their hands up. They were searched by police before being reunited with loved ones.

President Barack Obama was briefed on the attack by his homeland security adviser.

He said it was too early to know the shooters' motives, but urged the country to take steps to reduce the frequency of mass shootings. He told CBS that stricter gun laws, including stronger background checks, would make the country safer.

"The one thing we do know is that we have a pattern now of mass shootings in this country that has no parallel anywhere else in the world, and there's some steps we could take, not to eliminate every one of these mass shootings, but to improve the odds that they don't happen as frequently," Obama said.

The shooting sounded like "an organized plot," and preliminary information seems to indicate that "this is personal, and there seems to suggest some element of revenge and retaliation," said Erroll G. Southers, director of Homegrown Violent Extremism Studies at the University of Southern California and a former FBI agent.

"What it says to me, it's someone who's familiar with the facility, it's someone who knew exactly what room they were going to go to, they knew exactly which way they needed to escape," Southers said. "They've done their homework, they know what the response time in this jurisdiction."

Terry Petit said his daughter works at the center, where social workers find jobs, housing, transportation and provide programs for people who have disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and epilepsy. He got a text from her saying she was hiding in the building after hearing gunshots.

Petit choked back tears as he read the texts for reporters outside the center. He said she wrote: "People shot. In the office waiting for cops. Pray for us. I am locked in an office."

Sherry Esquerra was searching for her daughter and son-in-law, both of whom work at the center. She said her daughter helps "very disabled" children and "gets all the services she possibly could for these kids."

"I just don't understand why somebody would come in and start shooting," Esquerra said. She last saw her daughter at Thanksgiving and planned to see her Friday. When she calls her phone now, "Nothing. I just get her message. Straight to voicemail."

Marcos Aguilera's wife was in the building when the gunfire erupted. He said a shooter entered the building next to his wife's office and opened fire.

"They locked themselves in her office. They seen bodies on the floor," Aguilera told KABC-TV, adding that his wife was able to get out of the building unharmed.

The social services center has two large buildings that require a badge to get in, said Sheela Stark, an Inland Regional Center board member. However, the conference room where many public events take place — including the banquet on Wednesday — is usually left open when visitors are expected.
___

Contributing to this report were Brian Melley, John Antczak, Christopher Weber, John Rogers, Christine Armario, Gillian Flaccus and Sue Manning in Los Angeles; Amy Taxin in San Bernardino; Tami Abdollah in Washington; Alina Hartounian in Phoenix; Michael Sisak in Philadelphia; and Hannah Cushman in Chicago.


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-12-03

[JakeSully]

In any other country this would be a national tragedy -- in the US it's called "Wednesday"

[puukao]

This will keep happening all around the world. There are many LESS deaths now than in the past (Stalin, Mao, WW1, WW2, etc....), but it certainly seems this is the beginning of much, much worse....and instead of looking at a nationality, every individual is a possible threat.

[tom21]

why is it when you read this your not surprised or shocked

[pitrevie]

Its Obama's fault for suggesting they do something about gun control. I look forward to Ted Cruz putting the blame on some transgendered, leftist, marxist, communist fascist islamist please fell free to add your own 'ist' while telling everyone not to rush to conclusions.

[Shot]

This appears to be something different than the lone wolf nutter. There will be a press conference at 1645 PST with the local police chief and sheriff.

[SgtRock]

There is a lot of evil in the world today. Some of it is understandable, not that I am saying I agree with it.

"They came prepared to do what they did, as if they were on a mission," Burguan said, noting the attackers carried long guns — which can mean rifles or shotguns.

Having racked my brains over this. I cannot understand anyone who would, as it appears, to deliberately target a group of disabled people.

There is more to this than meets the eye. It is alleged that the attack was focused on a rented out conference centre. The renters of the conference centre hold the key.

I do not believe it was anything to do with disabled people.

Another sad day.

[brewsterbudgen]

Plenty of social media posts putting forward "Arabic" names for the suspects.

[Scott]

More off-topic posts and nonsense has been removed.

[simple1]

One suspect killed, one wounded at Redlands address.

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2015/dec/02/san-bernardino-shooting-live-coverage

[Friendly Stranger]

Though this is bad enough, what is now being reported is troublesome. Not going to get into it until it is confirmed as many reports are not consistent.

Lets just say this may be a heated thread.

RIP to the dead.

[JakeSully]

Plenty of social media posts putting forward "Arabic" names for the suspects.

I hate Islamic terrorism as much as the next guy. But they don't generally target a banquet at a center for the developmentally disabled.

I hate Arab terrorism as much as the next guy. But they don't generally target a banquet at a center for the developmentally disabled. This is the territory of right-wing wing nuts who live in a fantasy world with weird personal and/or anti-government grievances and high powered assault rifles with huge clips. And you can't take those assault weapons away because that would be taking away their substitute manhood - even if it would also deprive potential foreign terrorists of said weapons

I hate Arab terrorism as much as the next guy. But they don't generally target a banquet at a center for the developmentally disabled. This is the territory of right-wing wing nuts who live in a fantasy world with weird personal and/or anti-government grievances and high powered assault rifles with huge clips. And you can't take those assault weapons away because that would be taking away their substitute manhood - even if it would also deprive potential foreign terrorists of said weaponsI hate Arab terrorism as much as the next guy. But they don't generally target a banquet at a center for the developmentally disabled. This is the territory of right-wing wing nuts who live in a fantasy world with weird personal and/or anti-government grievances and high powered assault rifles with huge clips. And you can't take those assault weapons away because that would be taking away their substitute manhood - even if it would also deprive potential foreign terrorists of said weapons

Edited December 3, 2015 by JakeSully

[Berkshire]

Plenty of social media posts putting forward "Arabic" names for the suspects.

I hate Islamic terrorism as much as the next guy. But they don't generally target a banquet at a center for the developmentally disabled.

This is the territory of right-wing looney bins who live in a fantasy world with weird personal and/or anti-government grievances and high powered assault rifles with huge clips. This was a government building after all.. just like Okhahoma City.

I hate Arab terrorism as much as the next guy. But they don't generally target a banquet at a center for the developmentally disabled. This is the territory of right-wing wing nuts who live in a fantasy world with weird personal and/or anti-government grievances and high powered assault rifles with huge clips. And you can't take those assault weapons away because that would be taking away their substitute manhood - even if it would also deprive potential foreign terrorists of said weapons

I hate Arab terrorism as much as the next guy. But they don't generally target a banquet at a center for the developmentally disabled. This is the territory of right-wing wing nuts who live in a fantasy world with weird personal and/or anti-government grievances and high powered assault rifles with huge clips. And you can't take those assault weapons away because that would be taking away their substitute manhood - even if it would also deprive potential foreign terrorists of said weaponsI hate Arab terrorism as much as the next guy. But they don't generally target a banquet at a center for the developmentally disabled. This is the territory of right-wing wing nuts who live in a fantasy world with weird personal and/or anti-government grievances and high powered assault rifles with huge clips. And you can't take those assault weapons away because that would be taking away their substitute manhood - even if it would also deprive potential foreign terrorists of said weapons

I watched a couple of hours of CNN this morning and still no indication of who it was or motive. Sadly, this tragedy is business-as-usual in the USA. HOWEVER, if the perpetrators turn out be ISIS or anyone from the Middle East, there will be a political sh*tstorm. The right wing crazies are going to be jumping on the President like white on rice.

[TheCruncher]

In any other country this would be a national tragedy -- in the US it's called "Wednesday"

The death toll was probably limited to 14 because all the disabled persons were armed and killed the terrorist (s), as Donald Trump suggested?

Sorry to hear about yet another tragedy.

[Mosha]

For the record. 355 mass killings to date.

[webfact]

1 suspect down, 1 in custody after deadly shooting in Southern California
English.news.cn

LOS ANGELES (Xinhua) -- One suspect was gunned down and one in custody Wednesday afternoon after a shooting killed at least 14 people and injured 14 others in San Bernardino City of Southern California, local media reported.

The alleged suspects' bullet riddled dark SUV was stopped by police after fierce gunfire.

Sgt. Vicki Cervantes, a spokeswoman for the San Bernardino Police Department, said one suspect was down and shots fired, but she declined to give further information.

Some local media reports quoted other police sources as saying that all suspects are now "down" or "in custody."

A dark SUV was searched by police after the shooting.

Police said previously that up to three shooters were active.

Police searched door by door in the Inland Regional Center building where the shooting happened.

Full story: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-12/03/c_134879258.htm

-- Xinhua 2015-12-03

[webfact]

Two suspects dead after US mass shooting

Two heavily armed suspects - one male, one female - dead in shootout after California mass shooting, police say

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34991855

-- BBC 2015-12-03

[Thorgal]

Plenty of social media posts putting forward "Arabic" names for the suspects.

Than they should report it as 'terrorism'...

[Usernames]

Someone got angry at a party? So . . . I get angry and in a fit of rage go home get me and my girl in a flak vest, AR15s, pistols, and, "oh, yes, hunny, don't forget the pipe bombs."

[Linky]

Not sure if they targeted disabled. From news I heard there was a meeting and it got heated, went from there.

[alanrchase]

Not sure if they targeted disabled. From news I heard there was a meeting and it got heated, went from there.

So in the US if you go to a meeting you should wear body armour and take some guns in case the meeting gets heated?

[Suradit69]

In any other country this would be a national tragedy -- in the US it's called "Wednesday"

And everyone continues to worry about international terrorists when most of the time in the US it's the domestic nut cases who are causing all the bloodshed.

[MobileContent]

They list one of the shooters as Farook and his brother which could be Egyptian or Pakistani.

Looks Paris is coming to the States.

Edit Link: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/12/02/police-id-suspect-in-san-bernardino-massacre-as-syed-farook.html

Edited December 3, 2015 by MobileContent

[Suradit69]

Plenty of social media posts putting forward "Arabic" names for the suspects.

Than they should report it as 'terrorism'...

Terrorism comes in many flavors and from many sources regardless of the race, nationality or religion of those creating it. Timothy McVeigh was definitely a terrorist who killed and injured over 750 people in Oklahoma City. Anti-government US Army veteran. Definitely not Arabic. Definitely a terrorist.

[Usernames]

They list one of the shooters as Farook and his brother which could be Egyptian or Pakistani.

Looks Paris is coming to the States.

Edit Link: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/12/02/police-id-suspect-in-san-bernardino-massacre-as-syed-farook.html

If true, CNN will refuse to mention it for hours, if not days. They still are giving up mush on CNN International.

[Scott]

Numerous inflammatory and troll posts have been removed along with replies.

[brewsterbudgen]

They list one of the shooters as Farook and his brother which could be Egyptian or Pakistani.

Looks Paris is coming to the States.

Edit Link: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/12/02/police-id-suspect-in-san-bernardino-massacre-as-syed-farook.html

If true, CNN will refuse to mention it for hours, if not days. They still are giving up mush on CNN International.

They'll mention it when it has been confirmed. Why wouldn't they?

[MobileContent]

They list one of the shooters as Farook and his brother which could be Egyptian or Pakistani.

Looks Paris is coming to the States.

Edit Link: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/12/02/police-id-suspect-in-san-bernardino-massacre-as-syed-farook.html

If true, CNN will refuse to mention it for hours, if not days. They still are giving up mush on CNN International.

Mainstream media, same as in Germany.

Their was a stabbing in the German town of Muenster and the police shot the suspect. He was a local German Lebanese and it took them a long time before they announced it was a Muslim. I wouldn't be surprised if the MSM behaves in the same way.

I didn't actually wanted to post the name but the Daily Beast seem to have many infos available and even went to the house of the dead suspect and some family member told them NO COMMENT.

What all those Western countries seem to ignore is that their are ticking time bombs in all Western countries. I don't think it is ISIS but certainly Muslim fanatics raised in the West who want 30 minutes of their fame and be part of the Ummah and caliphate.

[stevenl]

They list one of the shooters as Farook and his brother which could be Egyptian or Pakistani.

Looks Paris is coming to the States.

Edit Link: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/12/02/police-id-suspect-in-san-bernardino-massacre-as-syed-farook.html

If true, CNN will refuse to mention it for hours, if not days. They still are giving up mush on CNN International.

Mainstream media, same as in Germany.

Their was a stabbing in the German town of Muenster and the police shot the suspect. He was a local German Lebanese and it took them a long time before they announced it was a Muslim. I wouldn't be surprised if the MSM behaves in the same way.

I didn't actually wanted to post the name but the Daily Beast seem to have many infos available and even went to the house of the dead suspect and some family member told them NO COMMENT.

What all those Western countries seem to ignore is that their are ticking time bombs in all Western countries. I don't think it is ISIS but certainly Muslim fanatics raised in the West who want 30 minutes of their fame and be part of the Ummah and caliphate.

No, the Daily Beast did not do anything except copy from NBC News.