At Least 14 Dead in California Shooting
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – As many as three gunmen believed to be wearing military-style gear opened fire Wednesday at a California social services center, killing at least 14 people and wounding more than a dozen, authorities said.
Police Chief Jarrod Burguan told a news conference that the suspects might have fled after the shooting in a dark-colored SUV. They remained at large. Burguan said the number of people killed and wounded were preliminary estimates that could change.
San Bernardino police spokesman Sgt. Vicki Cervantes told the Associated Press there were reports from witnesses of between one and three shooters.
“It still is an active fluid situation,” she said, adding police were still trying to clear the complex, which serves people with developmental disabilities. “We have not located any suspects.”
Police gave no details on a motive. President Barack Obama was briefed on the attack by his homeland security adviser.
Witnesses said several people locked themselves in their offices after gunfire erupted at the Inland Regional Center.
The attack took place in a conference area where the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health was holding a banquet, said Maybeth Field, the center’s president and CEO. She said the building houses at least 25 employees.
As FBI agents and other law enforcement authorities searched for the shooter or shooters, stores, office buildings and at least one school were locked down in the city. Roads were blocked off. Triage units were set up outside, and people were seen being wheeled away on stretchers. Others walked quickly from a building with their hands up.
Terry Petit said his daughter works at the center, and he got a text from her saying she was hiding in the building after hearing gunshots. He said she wrote: “People shot. In the office waiting for cops. Pray for us. I am locked in an office.”