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San Bernardino: suspects named in attack – as it happened
San Bernardino: suspects named in attack – as it happened
(6 days later)
8.13am GMT
8.13am GMT
08:13
08:13
A recording has emerged purporting to be of police radio as the shoot out unfolded.
A recording has emerged purporting to be of police radio as the shoot out unfolded.
6.55am GMT
6.55am GMT
06:55
06:55
You can read our latest coverage of the unfolding story in San Bernardino here.
You can read our latest coverage of the unfolding story in San Bernardino here.
Our latest news story is here:
Our latest news story is here:
A couple have been killed in a police gun battle hours after they took part in a mass shooting that left at least 14 people dead and 17 wounded in San Bernardino, California.
A couple have been killed in a police gun battle hours after they took part in a mass shooting that left at least 14 people dead and 17 wounded in San Bernardino, California.
The couple, named as Syed Farook and his partner Tashfeen Malik, were shot dead by police officers following a car chase through the streets of the city.
The couple, named as Syed Farook and his partner Tashfeen Malik, were shot dead by police officers following a car chase through the streets of the city.
Police said Farook and Malik, aged 28 and 27 respectively, were intercepted and a gun battle with more than 20 officers left their dark SUV riddled with bullets and both suspects dead.
Police said Farook and Malik, aged 28 and 27 respectively, were intercepted and a gun battle with more than 20 officers left their dark SUV riddled with bullets and both suspects dead.
The chase came about four hours after Farook had left a gathering of fellow public health employees of San Bernardino county where he worked. Police said he was angry and left early only to return with his partner. Both were heavily armed.
The chase came about four hours after Farook had left a gathering of fellow public health employees of San Bernardino county where he worked. Police said he was angry and left early only to return with his partner. Both were heavily armed.
The attack at the Inland Regional Center, which lies 60 miles (95km) east of Los Angeles, was the deadliest shooting on US soil since the Sandy Hook school massacre in 2012.
The attack at the Inland Regional Center, which lies 60 miles (95km) east of Los Angeles, was the deadliest shooting on US soil since the Sandy Hook school massacre in 2012.
According to San Bernardino police chief Jarrod Burguan, one officer was shot and transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after the pursuit. Two rifles and two handguns were found in the SUV that had been stopped.
According to San Bernardino police chief Jarrod Burguan, one officer was shot and transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after the pursuit. Two rifles and two handguns were found in the SUV that had been stopped.
During the hunt for the couple a third person was taken into custody, police said, although they said they were confident the couple were the only ones responsible for the killings.
During the hunt for the couple a third person was taken into custody, police said, although they said they were confident the couple were the only ones responsible for the killings.
Read the full article:
Read the full article:
Related: San Bernardino: couple die in police gun battle after mass shooting
Related: San Bernardino: couple die in police gun battle after mass shooting
Updated
Updated
at 8.00am GMT
at 8.00am GMT
6.30am GMT
6.30am GMT
06:30
06:30
What we know so far
What we know so far
Claire Phipps
Claire Phipps
Following the latest police news conference, here is what we now know about Wednesday’s deadly attack in San Bernardino:
Following the latest police news conference, here is what we now know about Wednesday’s deadly attack in San Bernardino:
I am still not willing to say if we know that for sure … It is a possibility but we don’t know that yet and we’re not willing to go down that road yet.
I am still not willing to say if we know that for sure … It is a possibility but we don’t know that yet and we’re not willing to go down that road yet.
Updated
Updated
at 6.40am GMT
at 6.40am GMT
6.23am GMT
6.23am GMT
06:23
06:23
That police press conference is over, with the key announcement that the two dead suspects have been identified as Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik.
That police press conference is over, with the key announcement that the two dead suspects have been identified as Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik.
I’ll post a summary shortly.
I’ll post a summary shortly.
6.20am GMT
6.20am GMT
06:20
06:20
Burguan says that based on the armour and level of preparation, “there had to be some degree of planning in this”.
Burguan says that based on the armour and level of preparation, “there had to be some degree of planning in this”.
Multiple explosive devices have been disposed of, he says.
Multiple explosive devices have been disposed of, he says.
He says investigators think they were a “pipe bomb-type design” but he can’t confirm that at this stage.
He says investigators think they were a “pipe bomb-type design” but he can’t confirm that at this stage.
6.15am GMT
6.15am GMT
06:15
06:15
Burguan says police have not ruled out terrorism as a motive.
Burguan says police have not ruled out terrorism as a motive.
He doesn’t know what the motive was at this point.
He doesn’t know what the motive was at this point.
He says police have spent some hours working on what they believe to be explosive devices at the center.
He says police have spent some hours working on what they believe to be explosive devices at the center.
None of the victims have been identified yet, he says, as police have only just gained access to the scene.
None of the victims have been identified yet, he says, as police have only just gained access to the scene.
6.13am GMT
6.13am GMT
06:13
06:13
Burguan says he’s “pretty comfortable” that the two shooters in the center are the two suspects who are now dead.
Burguan says he’s “pretty comfortable” that the two shooters in the center are the two suspects who are now dead.
6.12am GMT
6.12am GMT
06:12
06:12
Burguan says there was a relationship between the two suspects, but it’s not clear if they were married or engaged.
Burguan says there was a relationship between the two suspects, but it’s not clear if they were married or engaged.
He says it’s also unclear if a third person, who was detained at the scene of the gun battle with police, is involved.
He says it’s also unclear if a third person, who was detained at the scene of the gun battle with police, is involved.
6.11am GMT
6.11am GMT
06:11
06:11
Burguan says a meeting, or party, was taking place at the Inland Regional Center.
Burguan says a meeting, or party, was taking place at the Inland Regional Center.
Farook has been employed at the public health department for five years and was at the meeting.
Farook has been employed at the public health department for five years and was at the meeting.
He was involved in a dispute, left and returned to shoot, Burguan says.
He was involved in a dispute, left and returned to shoot, Burguan says.
6.10am GMT
6.10am GMT
06:10
06:10
Suspects named
Suspects named
The two suspects are named by Burguan:
The two suspects are named by Burguan:
6.08am GMT
6.08am GMT
06:08
06:08
Latest police news conference
Latest police news conference
San Bernardino police chief Jarrod Burguan is speaking again.
San Bernardino police chief Jarrod Burguan is speaking again.
He says 14 people are confirmed dead, 17 wounded.
He says 14 people are confirmed dead, 17 wounded.
He doesn’t know the status of the wounded at this point.
He doesn’t know the status of the wounded at this point.
6.00am GMT
6.00am GMT
06:00
06:00
Hussam Ayloush, executive director of Cair in the Los Angeles area, is still briefing reporters.
Hussam Ayloush, executive director of Cair in the Los Angeles area, is still briefing reporters.
Police and FBI are due to give their own news conference shortly; so far none of the information relating to the identification of the suspects – beyond the fact that a man and a woman were killed in a shoot-out with officers – has been officially confirmed.
Police and FBI are due to give their own news conference shortly; so far none of the information relating to the identification of the suspects – beyond the fact that a man and a woman were killed in a shoot-out with officers – has been officially confirmed.
CAIR director: Syed Farook and his wife left their 6-month-old baby with his mom Wednesday morning, saying they had a doctor's appointment.
CAIR director: Syed Farook and his wife left their 6-month-old baby with his mom Wednesday morning, saying they had a doctor's appointment.
5.54am GMT
5.54am GMT
05:54
05:54
Police have not yet confirmed the identity of any of the suspects involved in the attack.
Police have not yet confirmed the identity of any of the suspects involved in the attack.
But at the Cair press conference, Syed Farook was named as one of them by his brother-in-law, Farhan Khan.
But at the Cair press conference, Syed Farook was named as one of them by his brother-in-law, Farhan Khan.
Reuters reports that Farook and his wife have been missing since Wednesday morning, citing Hussam Ayloush, executive director of Cair in the Los Angeles area.
Reuters reports that Farook and his wife have been missing since Wednesday morning, citing Hussam Ayloush, executive director of Cair in the Los Angeles area.
A person by the name of Syed Farook was listed on county documents as an employee of the San Bernardino county environmental health department, Reuters said.
A person by the name of Syed Farook was listed on county documents as an employee of the San Bernardino county environmental health department, Reuters said.
Staff members from that department had gathered on Wednesday for the party where the shooters opened fire.
Staff members from that department had gathered on Wednesday for the party where the shooters opened fire.
5.41am GMT
5.41am GMT
05:41
05:41
Some more details from that Cair press conference.
Some more details from that Cair press conference.
Farhan Khan, who identified himself as the brother-in-law of one of the suspects, said he has no idea what might have motivated the attack.
Farhan Khan, who identified himself as the brother-in-law of one of the suspects, said he has no idea what might have motivated the attack.
Khan, who said his sister was married to one of the people suspected of carrying out the massacre in San Bernardino, offered his condolences to the victims.
Khan, who said his sister was married to one of the people suspected of carrying out the massacre in San Bernardino, offered his condolences to the victims.
“Why would he do that? Why would he do something like this? I have absolutely no idea, I am in shock myself,” Khan said at a news conference in Anaheim, California.
“Why would he do that? Why would he do something like this? I have absolutely no idea, I am in shock myself,” Khan said at a news conference in Anaheim, California.
Khan says he last spoke to Farook about a week ago.
Khan says he last spoke to Farook about a week ago.
He is reported to be married to Saira Khan, sister of Syed Farook, who has been named in media reports as one of the suspects.
He is reported to be married to Saira Khan, sister of Syed Farook, who has been named in media reports as one of the suspects.
5.08am GMT
5.08am GMT
05:08
05:08
The police news conference due to be happening now has been pushed back for an hour:
The police news conference due to be happening now has been pushed back for an hour:
New info evolving. 9pm press conference being trailed to 10:00. Appreciate everyone's patience.
New info evolving. 9pm press conference being trailed to 10:00. Appreciate everyone's patience.
That’s 10pm PST (6am GMT/5pm AEDT).
That’s 10pm PST (6am GMT/5pm AEDT).
4.59am GMT
4.59am GMT
04:59
04:59
Khan says he cannot tell reporters anything about the suspect but wanted to convey his and his family’s sadness and condolences to the victims.
Khan says he cannot tell reporters anything about the suspect but wanted to convey his and his family’s sadness and condolences to the victims.
4.58am GMT
4.58am GMT
04:58
04:58
The brother-in-law of a suspect speaks now. (It is not clarified which suspect they are referring to; I will add this when I find out. Edit 9pm PST: local media reports say Farhan Khan is the brother-in-law of Syed Farook, and is married to Farook’s sister.)
The brother-in-law of a suspect speaks now. (It is not clarified which suspect they are referring to; I will add this when I find out. Edit 9pm PST: local media reports say Farhan Khan is the brother-in-law of Syed Farook, and is married to Farook’s sister.)
Farhan Khan says he cannot express how sad he is:
Farhan Khan says he cannot express how sad he is:
I am in shock that something like this can happen.
I am in shock that something like this can happen.
He says he has “no idea … why he would do something like this”.
He says he has “no idea … why he would do something like this”.
Updated
Updated
at 5.02am GMT
at 5.02am GMT
4.56am GMT
4.56am GMT
04:56
04:56
The LA Cair (Council on American–Islamic Relations) press conference is starting now.
The LA Cair (Council on American–Islamic Relations) press conference is starting now.
Chair of the Islamic Council of South California Muzammil Siddiqi speaks.
Chair of the Islamic Council of South California Muzammil Siddiqi speaks.
He expresses his “sadness and sorrow” for those killed and injured: “We are in solidarity with them.”
He expresses his “sadness and sorrow” for those killed and injured: “We are in solidarity with them.”
He condemns this “horrible violence”.
He condemns this “horrible violence”.
Please do not condemn Islam, he says.
Please do not condemn Islam, he says.
4.51am GMT
4.51am GMT
04:51
04:51
CNN reports that ATF has confirmed that at least one of the four firearms retrieved by investigators was legally purchased.
CNN reports that ATF has confirmed that at least one of the four firearms retrieved by investigators was legally purchased.
The name of the purchaser, or the location, has not been made public.
The name of the purchaser, or the location, has not been made public.
4.49am GMT
4.49am GMT
04:49
04:49
As well as the Cair press conference, due imminently, we are also due to hear from police and FBI officials again within the next 15 minutes.
As well as the Cair press conference, due imminently, we are also due to hear from police and FBI officials again within the next 15 minutes.
I’ll have updates from both on this live blog.
I’ll have updates from both on this live blog.
4.32am GMT
04:32
The Los Angeles branch of Cair (Council on American–Islamic Relations) is due to hold a press conference at which it says the relative of a suspect named in media reports will speak.
Executive director Hussam Ayloush said in a statement:
We condemn this horrific and revolting attack and offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those killed or injured.
4.19am GMT
04:19
What we know so far
Here is what we know so far about the deadliest mass shooting in the US since Sandy Hook in 2012:
I am still not willing to say if we know that for sure … It is a possibility but we don’t know that yet and we’re not willing to go down that road yet.
Updated
at 6.05am GMT
4.05am GMT
04:05
Suspect named as Syed Farook – media reports
Several media outlets – including the Los Angeles Times, New York Times and Associated Press – have named one of the suspects in the mass shooting as Syed Farook, citing anonymous law enforcement officials.
The Guardian has not yet been able independently to verify this claim. It has not been officially confirmed.
3.52am GMT
03:52
Reuters has this latest update:
US Muslim advocacy group Cair (Council on American–Islamic Relations) condemns California shooting, says a relative of one of the suspects named in media reports will take part in news conference.
Several media outlets have reported a name in connection with the shooting. The Guardian is working to verify these reports.
3.40am GMT
03:40
Carey Davis says he understands that the shooting took place at a Christmas party at the Inland Regional Center.
3.35am GMT
03:35
The mayor of San Bernardino, Carey Davis, is speaking now.
He says the community is coming together, and thanks those who have supported others caught up in the shooting.
We as a city will do all we can for the victims of this violent crime.
Davis says details of the investigation will be relayed by police and FBI officials, but confirms it is still an active situation.
He says there will be a vigil in the coming days.
3.24am GMT
03:24
Earlier, shortly after news broke of the attack, Barack Obama sent his sympathies to the families of those who were killed, adding that there is a “pattern of mass shootings” in the US that has “no parallel anywhere else in the world”. You can watch his comments here:
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has also offered his condolences to the victims:
My thoughts are with the people of San Bernardino after today's attack. My sincere condolences to the families of the victims.
Updated
at 3.42am GMT
3.13am GMT
03:13
Redlands: mandatory evacuation of area
The perimeter outside the Redlands property being searched by the FBI is being moved back, local reports say, and a mandatory evacuation of the surrounding area is beginning.
View from Center Street of the home being searched by law enforcement. pic.twitter.com/QvYMveFg0m
3.07am GMT
03:07
There were reports earlier that the suspects had thrown a pipe bomb from their vehicle during the police pursuit, but the ATF now says that pipe did not contain explosives.
The ATF’s Meredith Davis said the thick-gauge copper pipe was equipped with a piece of material made to look like a wick, Associated Press reports.
Davis said the man and woman were each armed with a long gun and a handgun, and wearing clothing “loaded with magazines for a gunfight”.
Authorities are tracing the serial numbers on the guns and authorities will be dispatched to the related addresses, Davis said.
2.57am GMT
02:57
Associated Press has some more detail of the ongoing raid in Redlands:
Law enforcement officers are calling for people to come to the front door of a home in Redlands, California, where tips led authorities investigating the deadly shooting.
One of them called out: “This is the FBI.”
Officers in riot gear, a bomb squad unit and armoured vehicles are outside. They appear to have brought in robot devices.
It’s unclear if anyone is inside the home.
San Bernardino police chief Jarrod Burguan said an SUV was seen leaving the residence earlier, leading to a police pursuit and a gunbattle that killed two suspects in the shooting that left 14 people dead in neighbouring San Bernardino.
SWAT teams gather outside a townhouse on Center Avenue in Redlands. #SanBernardinoShooting pic.twitter.com/gwws8A4YvC
Updated
at 3.02am GMT
2.50am GMT
02:50
This map shows the key locations involved in today’s mass shooting:
Updated
at 3.08am GMT
2.40am GMT
02:40
The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) has confirmed that four weapons – two rifles and two handguns – have been recovered.
Police chief Jarrod Burguan earlier said the two dead suspects were armed with assault rifles and handguns.
BREAKING: 2 rifles and 2 handguns recovered in #SanBernardino shooting investigation. ATF conducting urgent traces.
2.36am GMT
02:36
The FBI operation at the Redlands home is ongoing.
It is still not been confirmed what the relationship is between the property and the shooting or suspects.
Several reporters say they saw a robot – possibly for bomb disposal – going into the house, after which a loud noise was heard.
It appears the robot just detonated something.
The San Bernardino police chief, Jarrod Burguan, said officers were working with caution in Redlands and the center that was the target of the shooting because of the possibility of explosive devices.
Updated
at 2.41am GMT
2.24am GMT
02:24
The footage shows the police pursuit of the shooting suspects.
We now know that two people were killed in the resulting gun battle, one male and one female.
A police officer was also wounded, although the injuries are not life-threatening.
2.14am GMT
02:14
The New York Daily News has just tweeted out its Thursday front page and it’s not holding back, as several Republican presidential candidates call for prayers for the victims:
An early look at tomorrow’s front page… GOD ISN’T FIXING THIS: https://t.co/eKUg5f03ec pic.twitter.com/j4gEFg9YtJ
1.57am GMT
01:57
What we know so far
The latest update from the San Bernardino police and FBI has shed a lot of light on the unfolding situation.
Here is what we now know:
I am still not willing to say if we know that for sure … It is a possibility but we don’t know that yet and we’re not willing to go down that road yet.
Updated
at 2.27am GMT
1.48am GMT
01:48
Burguan says there will be another press conference about 8.30pm-9pm PST (in about an hour and 45 minutes).
I’ll post a summary of that key police and FBI update very shortly.
Updated
at 2.12am GMT
1.46am GMT
01:46
The man and woman who died were engaged in a gun battle with police officers, Burguan says.
The person who has been detained was leaving the area of the shootout, he says. It is not clear if he was directly involved. He has not been identified.
Updated
at 1.54am GMT
1.44am GMT
01:44
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.
1.44am GMT
01:44
Burguan says he does not know the motive for the attack.
Police are taking a very cautious approach, he says.
We feel confident about the neighbourhood … that we have secured that and there is nobody outstanding there.
We are tracking down that information … to identify if there was a third person involved [in the shooting].
He says it is not confirmed if the person detained was involved in the shooting.
1.42am GMT
01:42
Third suspect detained – police
We are back to police chief Burguan.
He says a third person has been detained.
Updated
at 1.44am GMT
1.40am GMT
01:40
Bowdich says he has been asked if this is terrorism:
I am still not willing to say if we know that for sure … It is a possibility but we don’t know that yet and we’re not willing to go down that road yet.
The relationship between the two suspects isn’t known, he says.
He says there is a third suspect.
1.39am GMT
01:39
David Bowdich, an FBI official, is speaking now.
He says officials will apply “all the resources necessary … to assure we have chased down every lead”.
FBI agents are searching the house in Redlands now, he says.
1.38am GMT
01:38
Police are treating the vehicle with caution as it might contain explosives, Burguan says.
1.37am GMT
01:37
Two suspects dead: one male, one female
The news conference is starting now.
The San Bernardino police chief, Jarrod Burguan, is updating us.
He says police are still searching the building. There is potentially an explosive device inside and they are taking a slow, cautious approach.
Burguan says the two suspects were killed in the shootout: one male, one female.
Both were armed with assault rifles and handguns.
Updated
at 2.17am GMT
1.27am GMT
01:27
After updating reporters on the condition of five shooting victims, a spokeswoman for the Loma Linda University medical center said:
We’re all shaken by this. We’re all bothered by this.
I think we should all go home to our loved ones and understand this could happen any time and we have to be prepared for it.
Updated
at 1.37am GMT
1.18am GMT
01:18
Seventeen people were wounded in the shooting at the Inland Regional Center and are being cared for in a number of hospitals.
Five – all adults – are being treated at the Loma Linda University medical center.
Two are critical but stable, two “fair” and one is still being assessed, hospital officials said.
Families have been informed.
A police officer was also wounded in the later shootout but it has not been confirmed at which hospital the officer is being treated.
Loma Linda hospital PIO Briana Pastorino: 5 adult patients: 2 critical but stable, 2 fair, 1 under assessment pic.twitter.com/6RJjJPIX27
Updated
at 2.21am GMT
1.10am GMT
01:10
Home in Redlands being searched
Associated Press has this latest from Redlands, south-east of San Bernardino:
“Police are serving a search warrant on a home in Redlands, California, in connection with the deadly shooting at a social services facility in neighbouring San Bernardino.
“City spokesman Carl Baker says Redlands police are assisting San Bernardino police in the search connected to the Wednesday morning shooting that killed at least 14 people and wounded more than a dozen others.
“An Associated Press reporter watched as a half-dozen vehicles carrying helmeted police drove into the area. One officer carrying an assault rifle ordered reporters to clear the area, and an armoured vehicle parked outside a row of homes.
“The action followed a gun battle between occupants of an SUV and San Bernardino police not far from the original shooting scene.”
Updated
at 2.23am GMT
1.08am GMT
01:08
The news conference with the San Bernardino police chief hasn’t yet started. It’s not unusual for these things to run late in such a dynamic unfolding situation.
I will bring you the latest as soon as it begins.
Updated
at 2.23am GMT
12.55am GMT
00:55
Local media reports that the lockdown on San Bernardino schools has been lifted. Staff and students are allowed to leave, and parents have been encouraged to collect their children.
It is not clear yet if this indicates that police believe the situation with the suspect(s) to be under control. We are still awaiting a news conference, which is imminent.
Edit 5pm PST: road closures mean parents are now being asked to wait before collecting their children.
Correction: Victoria lock down lifted but parents not able to access school yet due to road closures. Will be a little bit longer...
Updated
at 2.24am GMT
12.45am GMT
00:45
We are expecting another news conference from the San Bernardino police chief, Jarrod Burguan, in about five minutes. We’ll have live updates on this blog.
Updated
at 12.52am GMT
12.39am GMT
00:39
The Association of Regional Center Agencies – Inland Regional Center, site of today’s shooting, was part of its network – has put out a statement.
There are no known threats against other any locations, it says, but eight centres closed early as a precautionary measure.
It does not know the motivation for the attack, it says:
What we do have are heavy hearts, knowing innocent lives were cut short.
Regional centers connect families and people with developmental disabilities to services and supports. They are places of connection and community.
Any act of violence is a tragedy. But in a place focused on service to people with developmental disabilities, it is even harder to comprehend.
A statement by the Association of Regional Center Agencies on today's shoot ring at Inland Regional. #SanBernardino pic.twitter.com/Pj6Ek9UQQC
Updated
at 12.54am GMT
12.36am GMT
00:36
Police say two suspects have been “dealt with” and one is “down”. Sgt Vicki Cervantes told reporters that one suspect was shot in a battle with officers, but could not confirm if that suspect had died.
The dark SUV with shattered windows remains on a residential street surrounded by armoured police vehicles.
Local TV channels report that police officers are moving from door-to-door in search of a possible third suspect.
It is not confirmed that there is a suspect on the loose, although earlier reports said up to three attackers had been seen at the scene of the mass shooting.
Updated
at 12.55am GMT
12.31am GMT
00:31
The governor of California, Jerry Brown, has issued a statement:
California will spare no effort in bringing these killers to justice.
Brown was scheduled to light the Capitol Christmas tree on Wednesday evening, Associated Press reports, but his office said the ceremony would be cancelled.
Updated
at 12.54am GMT
12.25am GMT
00:25
This is Claire Phipps picking up the live blog for continuing coverage.
Police are warning residents of San Bernardino to stay indoors:
Residents in the area of south of SB Ave and west of Mtn View should shelter in place, police activity continues.
We are asking that all people in the SB area south of San Bernardino Ave east of Mt. View stay in their homes w/doors locked & secure.
Police have confirmed that two suspects have been “dealt with” – there are no further details. They say it is possible a third suspect is on the loose.
Updated
at 2.25am GMT
12.19am GMT
00:19
Latest summary
Updated
at 2.27am GMT
11.59pm GMT
23:59
The LA Times justice and FBI reporter, Rick Serrano:
caiif mass shooting: police chief confirms the county group meeting was targeted, not the health center.
Updated
at 12.56am GMT
11.46pm GMT
23:46
In a residential area two miles east of the shooting site, 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 lying in the street.
Updated
at 12.57am GMT
11.39pm GMT
23:39
11.34pm GMT
23:34
There is an active scene unfolding in San Bernardino. Preliminary info is a suspect is down, officers are ok. Not confirmed if related.
11.34pm GMT
23:34
Sgt Vicki Cervantes, a spokeswoman for the San Bernardino police, has told reporters there are now at least 17 people being treated for injuries.
She said that as far as police know there are 14 people dead.
Updated
at 12.58am GMT
11.31pm GMT
23:31
The bearcat trucks have crawled slightly closer to the disabled vehicle, parking along its front and back as officers crowd around behind the armored cars.
The officers appear to be looking for an angle to see into the dark-colored SUV, whose windows were blown out by bullets.
Shots fired, suspect down; unknown if related to San Bernardino shooting per @SanBernardinoPD PIO. All officers ok! pic.twitter.com/cKrBumBxKD
Updated
at 2.33am GMT
11.28pm GMT
23:28
Paul Lewis
San Bernadino police have confirmed an “active scene” with more gunfire which appears to have broken out in the past hour, not far from where the shooting took place four hours ago.
Local TV reports show a dark SUV-type vehicle parked beside a suburban road, jammed between two Swat vehicles, minutes after reports of an outbreak of gunfire.
“I believe there is a suspect down,” Sgt Vicki Cervantes told reporters, stressing she did not know whether the incident was related to the earlier shooting. She dismisssed reports a police officer had been killed. “It is my understanding the officer is OK.”
Cervantes also said the number of injured victims had risen to 17.
Updated
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11.26pm GMT
23:26
Police update
Jemima Kiss
Update from San Bernadino police department, Sgt Vicki Cervantes:
Updated
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11.25pm GMT
23:25
Three armored cars are approaching the disabled SUV, which stands near an exposed police car. Heavily armed officers have taken up position behind the bearcats, weapons pointed toward the SUV.
A large rifle lies on the street between the various vehicles. A police spokeswoman, Sgt Vicki Cervantes, has confirmed that the standoff is an active shooter situation.
“It’s an ongoing scene. They believe there may be a suspect there.” She cannot confirm it is related to the shooting. “We believe there is one suspect down; it’s very active.”
She believes an officer involved in a shootout is uninjured: “The only thing I know is there was shots fired, officers were involved, and there is a suspect down.”
Officers are now manoeuvring so as not to stand in each others’ lines of fire, angling their weapons toward the disabled SUV.
Updated
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11.24pm GMT
23:24
Updated
at 11.30pm GMT
11.23pm GMT
23:23
Updated
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11.21pm GMT
23:21
There appears to be at least one person lying prone at the disabled SUV, which footage shows to be shot through with bullet holes.
Dozens of officers in small teams have gathered at a distance around the car, whose windshields were smashed out with gunshots. The SUV’s driver-side and passenger door are hanging open.
11.17pm GMT
23:17
Jemima Kiss
San Bernadino Mayor R Carey Davis said in a statement that the community has experienced “severe loss and severe shock today” and praised the response of the fire department and other agencies.
“It is critical that in moments like these, our City unites in supporting the victims, their families, and the effort against crime in our City. We will continue to utilize all safety resources available to the San Bernadino community to deal with this tragedy.
“I pray that our community will join hands in an effort to uplift and support those who suffered loss, fear and shock today. We will continue to strive to be a safe and secure city in California.”
11.16pm GMT
23:16
Police have disabled a black SUV and have surrounded it with armored cars and cruisers – they do not know whether the suspect car is related to the shooting but shots have been fired.
Separately they have stopped one man in a parking lot after he tried to flee on foot. They similarly do not know whether this suspect has any relation to the shooting.
Five police cars just blazes past at high speed. Reports of someone being chased in Target car park. pic.twitter.com/p5ZpheFgbd
Updated
at 11.18pm GMT
11.11pm GMT
23:11
Police are pursuing dark SUVs in the roads and highways in the San Bernardino area, but do not know whether any of the cars are related to the shooting.
#SanBernardino police chasing multiple reports of black SUVs tired to the shooting. Latest report of one spotted in Redlands.
Meanwhile California governor Jerry Brown has cancelled a tree lighting due to the shooting.
@JerryBrownGov cancels annual CA Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony today because of tragic shooting in #SanBernardino
Updated
at 11.14pm GMT
10.53pm GMT
22:53
A bleak update from Rob McMillan of local ABC7 news, who’s heard what police implied during their press conference almost an hour ago.
Cops say they have no idea on location of suspects. They could be miles away, they could still be in the building.
10.46pm GMT
22:46
A witness to the shooting’s aftermath has described a “nightmare” of death, flight and fear to my colleague Rory Carroll, who is in San Bernardino.
Alex Vasquez, an NBC4 cameraman who was driving nearby when a call from his newsdesk redirected him to the scene, said he had arrived as shooting still resounded through the building.
‘They were the last shots fired,’ he said, speaking hours later a mile from the scene.
‘People were running. People had been shot inthe back, arms, chest. I saw a woman who was badly injured. She was on the ground, struggling. I saw her take her last breath.’
Vasquez shook his head. ‘These were people who got up in the morning and went to work and ended up in their worst nightmare.’
'I saw a woman take her last breath.' Alex Vasquez, NBC cameraman who arrived while shots were still being fired. pic.twitter.com/LUkPXOK5JS
Updated
at 10.57pm GMT
10.43pm GMT
22:43
Connecticut senator Chris Murphy, one of the most outspoken advocates for gun control in Congress, has released a statement on the shooting, which is the worst mass shooting since a gunman killed 26 people at a school in his state in 2012.
My heart aches for the people of San Bernardino. I cannot express the profound sadness I feel each time a new community grieves and endures the same pain that brought Newtown to its knees three years ago this month.
“As we await the facts from the chaos on the ground, I can only pray that America’s leaders will do something – anything – that prevents more communities from knowing this sorrow.
“Congress’ number one responsibility is to keep our constituents safe, and not a single senator or member of Congress can go back to their state this weekend and claim that they are doing their job.”
Activists from Everytown for Gun Safety, a pro-gun control group, have also commented on the shooting. Shannon Watts, the founder of one of the gun control coalition groups, exhorted Congress to action.
“Thoughts and prayers – particularly from our lawmakers – are simply not enough. To reduce the gun violence that kills 88 Americans and injures hundreds more each day, we must demand our lawmakers act,” she said.
“The phrase ‘another mass shooting’ doesn’t have to be a part of the American vocabulary.”
Updated
at 11.09pm GMT
10.37pm GMT
22:37
Police have a provided a destination for family to reunite with relatives who were trapped inside the Regional Center and then evacuated by school bus away from the complex.
The Hernandez Center on Third and Sierra Way has been set up for family members to go for information #SanBernardino
10.30pm GMT
22:30
San Bernardino county police have asked the public to call with information about the three suspects believed to have attacked the Inland Regional Center.
The suspects may have left in a darkly colored SUV, police said, and used “long guns”.
“They were dressed in a way that indicated they were prepared,” police chief Jarrod Burguan said.
The public can call 1 866 346 7632 if they have any information or leads on the #ActiveShooter incident in #SanBernadino @SanBernardinoPD
10.23pm GMT
22:23
Police press conference summary
San Bernardino police and an FBI official held a press conference about the shooting at the Inland Regional Center.
Updated
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10.13pm GMT
22:13
My colleague Rory Carroll is on the scene in San Bernardino, where the press conference has just ended.
'No information at this point that it was a terrorist act.' pic.twitter.com/O9DJKiGIEJ
10.11pm GMT
22:11
“I’m just going to say it was a long gun, not a handgun,” Burguan says when asked about the weapons of the gunmen.
“They came in with a purpose, they came in with an intent.”
Burguan concludes the press conference: “We will be back on the hour every hour,” at least for the afternoon and evening.
10.09pm GMT
22:09
Burguan answers a questions about why federal investigators are already
“We have no information at this point to indicated that this is terrorism … in the traditional sense”, he says. But since investigations “can turn into a potential federal prosecution type thing,” he says the county asked for federal assistance immediately.
“At minimum we have a domestic terrorist type situation that occurred.”
Updated
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10.07pm GMT
22:07
Burguan says that he has heard reports of as many as three suspects that have fled the scene, but that the situation remains “fluid” and that information could still change as the investigation continues.
He says that police are at a “heightened state of alert and “we would ask the public that they would be at a heightened sense of alert.”
10.06pm GMT
22:06
A reporter asks about explosive technicians who are on the site.
“As the teams were going through and searching … there were some things in the building that were not immediately identifiable,” Burguan says.
“As a result of that we do have some bomb techs on site … we do not know if they were brought in by the suspects … just things that as our teams were moving through said ‘that needs to be looked at a little more closely.’”
10.03pm GMT
22:03
“I do not have any information that any children were involved,” Burguan says when asked about possible patients at the treatment center developmental disability center.
“They were dressed in a way that indicated they were prepared,” Burguan says of the suspects, after a question about reports that they were wearing body armor.
“They had … long guns, not handguns,” he says.
Updated
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10.02pm GMT
22:02
“It was a meeting to like a luncthime gathering, maybe for the holidays … it’s my understanding that most of the people that were wounded, most of the victims, were all centrally located in the facility.”
Updated
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10.01pm GMT
22:01
An FBI spokesman takes the microphone briefly, saying agents are on hand “essentially to assure that all the wounded are extracted,” and make sure that the people are safe.
“I will tell you right now we do not know if this is a terrorist incident,” he says.
10.00pm GMT
22:00
“We do not have any identification of who these suspects are,” Burguan concludes, saying that officers continue tos sweep through the area in search of victims and suspects.
“That search is still ongoing,” Sheriff John McMahon continues. He says that police are working with the school district, coordinating with the city’s board of supervisors. “We will work together to investigate this case once the scene is secure.”
Updated
at 10.01pm GMT
9.58pm GMT
21:58
Police chief: at least 14 dead
The San Bernardino sherrif’s department is holding a press conference.
County chief Jarrod Burguan begins. “This originally started off at 11 this morning, we received a call at the Inland Regional center.”
He says officers responded quickly and they had a “massive” regional response as the scope of the shooting became clear.
What we have so far is information to the effect that up to three 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.
Updated
at 10.32pm GMT
9.55pm GMT
21:55
At least 10 people total were injured and are being treated at area hospitals, county officials say. Loma Linda Medical Center has four patients so far, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center has six; spokespeople for both have said they expect more.
6 patients being treated @ArrowheadRMC per San Bernardino County officials pic.twitter.com/jfqomagiHx
Schools throughout the San Bernardino area, more than 70 in the district, have been locked down as a precaution, the officials have added.
Updated
at 10.25pm GMT
9.51pm GMT
21:51
Father Terry Pettit recounts the text his daughter sent inside the Inland Regional Center when the shooting began: “‘Shooting at my work. People shot. In the office waiting for cops. Pray for us. I am locked in an office.’”
Updated
at 9.53pm GMT
9.48pm GMT
21:48
Obama: US can act to reduce mass shootings
Barack Obama has remarked on the shooting during a previously planned interview with CBS News, saying: “It does appear that there are going to be some casualties, and obviously our hearts go out to the victims and the families.”
He continued: “We have a pattern now of mass shootings in this country which has no parallel anywhere in the world.”
Obama went on to say that “there are steps” that Congress can take to reduce gun violence in the US, even if the government cannot eliminate shootings entirely.
The US can “take [steps] to improve the odds that they don’t happen as frequently,” he said.
“We should never think that this is something that just happens in the ordinary course of events.”
He added that the FBI are on the scene, which the agency has itself reported.
FBI responding to shooting in San Bernardino w/resources to assist partners. SB has lead. Will provide add'l info as situation develops.
Updated
at 9.51pm GMT
9.42pm GMT
21:42
'Possibly 12' fatalities
There are “possibly 12” fatalities, an official at the San Bernardino county sheriff’s office has told my colleague Nicky Woolf.
Asked to elaborate, the official said: “that’s all we’ve got”.
San Bernardino police chief Jarrod Burguan will give a press conference within the next half hour.
Linda Loma Medical Center has confirmed four adult patients are being treated, and a spokesperson there said she expects more.
9.38pm GMT
21:38
President Obama has reiterated that there are too many shooting incidents in the US, commenting during an interview with CBS News filmed within the last hour.
Pres Obama says we have a pattern of mass shootings in the US that have no parallel anywhere else in the world. pic.twitter.com/YHwRPlMZop
Pres says he's waiting for more details, and he can't say who's responsible or why the shootings took place. Says FBI is at the scene.
9.31pm GMT
21:31
The event where the shooting began was intended to honor county officials, witnesses have told ABC’s Marc Brown.
“It’s a great agency and I don’t know why somebody would want to do this,” center worker Brandon Hunt said.
#BREAKING Witness tells us that an event honoring County personnel was going on in the conference center at IRC. Shooters entered there.
Police and tactical units are still spreading around the area in search for as many as three gunmen.
SWAT teams just drove past us at a high rate of speed.
9.24pm GMT
21:24
Police are taking witnesses away from the scene on school buses to an undisclosed “secure” location in order to interview them about the shooting.
Buses transporting #SanBernardino witnesses. Officers say they're being taken somewhere safe to get statements. pic.twitter.com/9jQNCrzQqB
Meanwhile police are locking down public centers throughout the San Bernardino area, NBC’s Gadi Schwartz tweets, including the Waterman Mall.
Several soft targets all around #SanBernardino being locked down. Trains stopped. PD now headed to a mall. pic.twitter.com/hUwEL6i91x
9.21pm GMT
21:21
“Enough is enough,” Democrat representative Nancy Pelosi has said in a statement about the San Bernardino shooting.
She adds that Congress has “a moral responsibility” to act on gun violence.
Today, yet another American community is reeling from the horror of gun violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of San Bernardino. As the families of the victims grieve and the survivors focus on healing, the entire American family mourns.
“Gun violence is a crisis of epidemic proportions in our nation. Congress has a moral responsibility to vote on common sense measures to prevent the daily agony of gun violence in communities across America. Enough is enough.”
Congress last voted on gun control measures in April 2013, several months after a gunman killed 26 people, including 20 children, in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. Senate Democrats were unable to secure the votes to override a filibuster, and the bill to close loopholes for background checks never reached the House for a vote.
Updated
at 9.30pm GMT
9.14pm GMT
21:14
“Multiple shooters” targeted a function in the conference center, Sergeant Vicki Cervantes has told an ABC7 reporter.
The Inland Regional Center hosted “some kind of function today, an event, and during that event is when multiple shooters came in and just started shooting,” Cervantes said.
She confirmed that police have heard a report that “at least one of the shooters may have left in a black SUV from the location. We were told that but that’s the only information I have on that.”
Cervantes declined to give any numbers on victims, saying that officers were now “trying to remove all of the victims and witnesses from the building so we can take them to a secure location to be interviewed.
“There are multiple casualties and there are confirmed fatalities.”
Updated
at 9.14pm GMT
9.09pm GMT
21:09
At least seven people have been injured, NBC reporter Marin Austin tweets from the Loma Linda Health center, one of several area hospitals that is preparing to receive patients.
Just spoke to a hospital spokesperson. 4 patients are being treated @lomalindahealth, 3 more are on the way. @NBCLA pic.twitter.com/Q5NZNrK7kN
9.06pm GMT
21:06
Yvette Cabrera, reporting for the Guardian from San Bernardino, sends some background on the Inland Regional Center:
The center is one of 21 nonprofit agencies throughout California funded by the state Department of Developmental services. The agencies are charged with serving children and adults with developmental disabilities such as autism and cerebral palsy, and have been forced to slash services to clients over the last decade due to cuts in state funding during the economic downturn.
Attempting to speak w people who were at #sanbernardino shooting but officers keep telling them not to talk to media pic.twitter.com/xMRRo5HFcI
9.05pm GMT
21:05
This is a closer look at the location of the Inland Regional Center, where the shooting took place:
Updated
at 9.18pm GMT
9.02pm GMT
21:02
Fatalities confirmed
Lieutenant Rich Lawhead has confirmed to a local NBC station that there are fatalities, but did not say how many people may have been shot or killed.
He also declined to confirm reports that the suspect or suspects may have worn body armor.
Reporters for local NBC4 have said they saw three people dead at the scene, and local ABC7 has cited witnesses as saying as many as 12 have died. Police have not given any official numbers.
Updated
at 9.05pm GMT
8.57pm GMT
20:57
Police search for SUV
Police are looking for suspects who may have fled the scene in an SUV, an official at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed to the Guardian.
The official said that law enforcement officers are acting on intelligence that three suspects were seen fleeing the scene in an SUV vehicle.
The official said the information was “intelligence received by the command post” set-up by San Bernardino Police, which is actively pursuing the lead.
They said they had no current information about the color of the vehicle or description of the suspects and the radius of the secure perimeter set-up around the center remains unchanged. They have shut down several roadways in the area.
Waterman Avenue exits at the 10, both north and southbound, have been closed.
Updated
at 11.30pm GMT
8.46pm GMT
20:46
President Barack Obama has been briefed on the shooting by homeland security adviser Lisa Monaco, the AP reports.
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has already commented on the shooting, tweeting:
I refuse to accept this as normal. We must take action to stop gun violence now. -H https://t.co/SkKglwQycb
Republican candidate Donald Trump has also tweeted about the shooting:
California shooting looks very bad. Good luck to law enforcement and God bless. This is when our police are so appreciated!
Several hospitals are on standby for patients, a spokesperson for the Loma Linda Medical Center has told the Guardian.
Updated
at 8.51pm GMT
8.42pm GMT
20:42
Police have moved reporters away from the Center but continue to close in on the building, with tactical teams and explosives technicians going room to room in the search for civilians and suspects.
Hard to see but police have lined up on a perimeter around a golf course across from Inland Regional Center. pic.twitter.com/6NAKCI4Ktu
Photographer Micah Escamilla has overheard a police officer say: “All we can tell you is it’s pretty bad.” She’s also filmed evacuations.
People are escorted into the San Bernardino golf club after active shooter took place at Inland Regional Center pic.twitter.com/Afv1MxXp0K
Updated
at 8.47pm GMT
8.35pm GMT
20:35
San Bernardino police believe the suspect or suspects are well armed and possibly wearing body armor, a spokesperson has told the LA Times, in line with accounts heard by local reporters.
Sergeant Vicky Cervantes told reporters that officers are going door to door. “It’s a very active scene,” she said. “It’s very fluid.”
Araksya Karapetyan of the local Fox affiliate has heard similar accounts.
Reports of one suspect walking in, dressed in tactical gear, heavily armed into a conference room & started shooting #SanBernardinoshooting
Local ABC7 has spoken with a man who’s wife was in the center when the shooting began, and who managed to escape the building.
“They locked themselves in her office. They seen bodies on the floor,” Aguilera said, adding that his wife saw ambulances taking people out of the building on stretchers.
8.27pm GMT
20:27
Bomb technicians have arrived and are working with police to clear the buildings, and accounts from inside the office complex are trickling out through loved ones and cellphones.
One woman texted her father, CBS news reported, with a message that read: “People shot. In the office waiting for cops. Pray for us. I’m locked in an office.”
The nearby Loma Linda University Hospital and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center have told the Desert Sun and other outlets that they are preparing to receive patients.
Father reads text from daughter: "Shooting at my work. People shot...Pray for us." https://t.co/Hv8FNXsc3X https://t.co/vEnH2FNdBe
Updated
at 8.46pm GMT
8.18pm GMT
20:18
A worker at the Inland Regional Center has spoken with the Guardian’s Ryan Felton. She provides some background on the center.
Nancy Lungren, assistant director of communications for the California department of developmental services, said the Inland Regional Center is one of 21 facilities in the state that help coordinate services and support people with developmental disabilities, like autism and cerebral palsy.
“And it can make all the difference,” Lungren told the Guardian, adding: “They try to keep them in a community, living at home or living in an apartment.”
Updated
at 8.22pm GMT
8.16pm GMT
20:16
Heavily armed officers continue to gather and set up stations around the large complex, where more than 600 people usually work.
San Bernardino police have warned emphatically on Facebook that the area is “very active” and should be avoided. Live footage of the scene shows continued evacuations and police coordinating, and local reporters say that teams are working to clear the complex’s buildings room by room.
BREAKING: Agents from ATF's Los Angeles Field Division are responding to the scene of the San Bernadino shooting.
8.11pm GMT
20:11
Police have asked local TV affiliates not to broadcast close footage of the Inland Regional Center, which dozens of officers from various departments have formed a perimeter around.
UPDATE: Dozens of people filed out of center, holding hands in air; others being treated https://t.co/Ekf6Acw6jM pic.twitter.com/mfmBapCOwP
A very wide shot of building at center of active shooting. Multiple SWAT teams clearing buildings #SanBernardino pic.twitter.com/1rVnVxE2mn
8.08pm GMT
20:08
7.54pm GMT
19:54
Police are responding to an “active shooter” in San Bernardino, California, reporting “one to three possible suspects” and “multiple victims”.
The sheriff’s department, fire units and a Swat team have all responded to the scene and are trying to lock down the area around the Inland Regional Center, a nonprofit that helps people with developmental disabilities. Police have warned residents to stay away from the nearby golf course and the area of Orange Show Road and Waterman Avenue.
Live footage of the scene shows dozens of people evacuating from the area under police guidance, as well as some people, their conditions unclear, taken on stretchers toward emergency vehicles.
The fire department tweeted that they have had reports of as many as 20 victims, but authorities have not confirmed any reports of suspects, fatalities or injuries.
