Shooting Near Santa Monica College
Authorities in L.A. starting getting calls around 11:55 this morning from Santa Monica students reporting shots fired at the college. While details remain unclear, a man carrying an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and ammunition belt was apprehended in the school library. Shootings in up to 4 separate locations may have taken place.
According to USAToday.com, the gunman tried to break into one house and set fire to another house, with 2 bodies inside. Cause of death is unknown at this time.
The armed man opened fire on nearby traffic minutes after the arson. Some drivers were injured, but the suspect, who was apparently firing at random, soon fled the scene.
At this point, the suspect may also have fired on a bus. CNN.com reports that California Highway Patrol officers are investigating; here, the perpetrator is said to have had multiple firearms.
After fleeing, the suspect ran two blocks north to Santa Monica campus, which was quickly locked down. Students report open fire in the library,
In total, at least 6 people were injured in connection to the gunman. Police evacuated the campus after being tipped that the gunman had left bags behind. A bomb squad arrived to investigate shortly thereafter.
Law enforcement officers have denied the existence of a second assailant to some media outlets, while others have been told that authorities are still searching the surrounding area for a partner. Regardless, the shooting is not believed to be connected to President Obama’s presence for a fundraiser, a 10-minute drive away, says LATimes.com.
Watch the official CNN report here: