California bar shooting: What to know
California bar shooting: Authorities believe Ian David Long, a former Marine, opened fire on a packed California country music bar Wednesday night, killing 12 people, including a veteran sheriff's sergeant nearing retirement. Here is what you need to know about the deadly shooting and what officials have released about the gunman.
The Marine Corps’s top officer offered a strong condemnation Thursday of Ian David Long, the "ex-Marine" and suspect in Wednesday night’s shooting at a country music bar in California.
Gen. Robert B. Neller, the commandant of the Marine Corps, took to Twitter to express sympathy for those affected by the violence that left 12 people dead.
CALIFORNIA BAR SHOOTING VICTIMS INCLUDE POLICE OFFICER, ASPIRING ARMY SERVICE MEMBER
“Heartfelt condolences to those suffering from the tragic & senseless act of violence #ThousandOaks,” Neller tweeted. “That ex-Marine's despicable actions run counter to what the vast majority of veterans are rightfully known for: serving w/ honor then making positive contributions to society.”
Gen. Neller notably referred to Long as an “ex-Marine,” not a former Marine. The latter argot is a custom afforded to Marines who have served their nation honorably.
Authorities believe that Long killed himself after opening fire at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, Wednesday night, officials said. Long’s body was found in an office near the entrance of the bar.
CALIFORNIA BAR SHOOTING LEAVES 12 DEAD, INCLUDING SHERIFF’S SERGEANT, POLICE SAY
The suspect served in the Marine Corps from August 2008 to March 2013 as a machine gunner and earned the rank of corporal in August 2011, according to military records. He was also deployed to Afghanistan from November 2010 to June 2011.
Long, who served in Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan, received an honorable discharge, Marine Corps officials told Fox News.
The suspect may have possibly experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, Sheriff Geoff Dean said.
Fox News’ Katherine Lam and Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.
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