'This Cannot Continue': Warren, Markey React To Mass Shooting At California Bar
BOSTON (CBS) – Massachusetts senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey are calling for action after a mass shooting inside a California bar.
Thirteen people were killed Wednesday night, including the shooter and a Ventura County Sherriff's deputy, inside Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks. The bar was filled with college students when police say 28-year-old Ian David Long opened fire during a country music night.
Massachsuetts Gov. Charlie Baker ordered flags be flown at half staff through sunset on Saturday.
I am deeply saddened to learn of the deadly shooting in Thousand Oaks, California and extend my heartfelt sympathies to the victims and their families, as well as those injured. In the Commonwealth, I have directed flags be flown at half-staff through sunset on Saturday.
— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) November 8, 2018
Sen. Warren tweeted Thursday morning that "this cannot continue" and congress must move to end gun violence.
Late last night, at least 12 people died in a mass shooting in a California bar – including a police officer. My heart goes out to the families of the victims and those wounded. This cannot continue. Congress must move to #EndGunViolence – now.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) November 8, 2018
Sen. Markey said called gun violence an "epidemic" that needs to be stopped.
My heart is with the victims of the #ThousandOaks shooting. Gun violence is an epidemic. It's relentless. But we can't get fatigued or become numb to tragedy. We too must be relentless in our efforts to stop the bloodshed, to pass real legislation. We owe it to those we've lost.
— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) November 8, 2018
Sgt. Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran, was among the first officers to respond to the scene. He was fatally shot after entering the bar and engaging the suspect.
President Trump praised responding police for their bravery following the shooting.
Investigators said Long was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who had previous interaction with police.
SUSPECTED SHOOTER: Ian Long, 28, had earlier this year been visited by the Ventura County sheriff's crisis intervention team, who decided he did not need to be taken into custody for a mental health hold. https://t.co/C8uGHCEAfV pic.twitter.com/BO3QM0g3Q4
— CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) November 8, 2018
Authorities believe Long may have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.