Police in San Bernadino, CA are reporting that at least 20 people have been shot by an unknown number of assailants. There are reports of one to three shooters who are reported to be wearing “tactical gear.” This incident is taking place at the Inland Regional Center that provides services for the disabled. So far there is no known motive for this attack. NBC News is reporting three fatalities.
Up Date: 20:45
Police bomb squad investigating possible explosive device at building where shooting occurred.
Two suspects dead, one male and one female, at the scene of the shootout with the black SUV. Both were armed with assault rifles and handguns.
Still unknown if there was a third shooter. A third person has been detained at the scene with the black SUV. It’s not known if he was involved in the shooting. The search for the third suspect at the SUV scene has been concluded and the shelter in place order has been lifted.
Police are treating the vehicle with caution as it might contain explosives.
Officials still not calling this an act of terrorism. Not willing to go down that road yet; still gathering facts.
Burguan says there was a dispute at a Christmas party being held at the center, after which someone left. He says he cannot confirm if this is connected to the later attack.
Still no motive.
Up date 19:30
In a residential area two miles east of the site of the shooting, at least three Swat vehicles have surrounded a black SUV where one suspect is believed to have been killed. According to NBC Bay Area news, which is broadcasting live pictures via helicopter, a second suspect is reported to be lying in the street. They are still seeking a third suspect. One police officer has been shot but police say his injury “is not life threatening”
It was also confirmed that the conference being held by the San Bernadino Health Department was the target, not the Inland Regional center for disabilities.
UP Date 17:15
At the San Bernardino sheriff department’s press conference County chief Jarrod Burguan reported:
What we have so far is information to the effect that up to 3 people had entered the building and opened fire on the people in the building. We have preliminary numbers of upwards of 14 people that are dead and up to 14 people that are injured.
There is no information that children were involved.
There is still no motive and no weapons have been recovered and may have fled in a dark colored SUV, possibly a Chevy Yukon. As per Burguan, “they were dressed in a way that indicated they were prepared,” and armed with “long guns.”
At this time, it is not known if this is a terrorist incident.
Up Date: 16:30 ET
Sergeant Vicki Cervantes ,a police spokesperson, told reporters that “multiple shooter” targeted a conference that was being sponsored at the Inland Regional Center. There were also reports that one suspect fled in a black SUV. She also stated that there were fatalities among the casualties but did not give any numbers.
It is also being reported by the news media on the scene that polices are rsponding to a SWAT situation in Pasadena about an hour from San Bernadino but police are saying that it is not related.