Oliver Contreras/picture-alliance/Cover Images
President Donald Trump has issued a statement on the Borderline Bar & Grill shooting in Thousand Oaks, California on Thursday, November 8. Trump commended law enforcement and first responders for their quick action responding to the scene. One of the 12 victims who were fatally shot was a 29-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ron Helus.
“I have been fully briefed on the terrible shooting in California. Law Enforcement and First Responders, together with the FBI, are on scene. 13 people, at this time, have been reported dead. Likewise, the shooter is dead, along with the first police officer to enter the bar,” Trump tweeted.
“Great bravery shown by police. California Highway Patrol was on scene within 3 minutes, with first officer to enter shot numerous times. That Sheriff’s Sergeant died in the hospital. God bless all of the victims and families of the victims. Thank you to Law Enforcement.”
More information on the shooting can be seen below.
What Happened?
screenshot via Fox 11 Los Angeles
Early in the morning on Thursday, November 8, a gunman open-fired on a local bar in Thousand Oaks, California. According to police officials, at least 12 people were killed in the latest mass shooting. The suspect was found dead of a single gunshot wound, but it is unclear who fired that shot.
The suspect was a 28-year-old white man who used a .45-caliber handgun.
Witnesses say the suspect entered the Southern California bar in Ventura County wearing all black before tossing smoke grenades and firing off approximately 30 shots with his weapon.
“The gunman was throwing smoke grenades all over the place,” a witness told ABC News. “I saw him point to the back of the cash register … and he just kept firing. I ran out the front door.
The shooting took place at Borderline Bar and Grill, which is a country-themed bar known for live music events and a large dance floor.
It was reportedly “College Night” at the bar when the shooting took place.
Where Is Borderline Bar & Grill?
Google Maps
Borderline Bar & Grill is located in Thousand Oaks, California, which is in Ventura County in Southern California. The award-winning bar has been open in Thousand Oaks since 1993 after initially opening its doors in the late 80’s in Malibu. Thousand Oaks is the second-largest city in Ventura County.
It was “College Night” at the bar when the shooting occurred. Students from California Lutheran University and Pepperdine University were reportedly in the venue when shots broke out.
On Wednesday nights, the bar opens its doors to anyone 18 and older for a night of dancing.
Borderline Bar & Grill is a country-themed bar that is known for it’s large dance floor, according to ABC News.
“With over 2,500 square feet of wide open dance floor, Borderline has provided a haven for country line dancing folks of all ages equipped with pool tables,” the website said. “Over the years, Borderline has hosted many legendary performances such as The Beach Boys, John Rich, Collin Raye, Mark Chesnutt, Lee Brice, Adam Carolla & Tyler Farr to name a few.”