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BREAKING: At least 12 dead after horrific California mass murder during bar's 'Country Night
At least 12 people are dead after a mass murder suspect opened fire at a California nightclub. (Image source: ABC News video screenshot)

BREAKING: At least 12 dead after horrific California mass murder during bar's 'Country Night

At least 12 people are dead, including one police officer, and as many as 11 more people were injured when a mass murder suspect opened fire on clubgoers in Thousand Oaks, California. The shooting was first reported at 11:19 p.m. local time.

The incident occurred at The Borderline Bar and Grill — which was hosting College Country Night — when the suspect, clad in black, reportedly shot a security guard and continued the massacre on those people inside.

According to ABC News, the suspect barged into the bar, tossing smoke grenades and firing dozens of rounds on those people inside.

Sgt. Ron Helus was the officer who took fire, and was reportedly shot multiple times.

The outlet reported that the suspect was found dead inside the bar.

Update, 11/8/18, 11:49 a.m.:

President Donald Trump has ordered flags to fly at half-staff in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the horrific massacre.

A portion of the president's proclamation read:

As a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated in Thousand Oaks, California, on November 7, 2018, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, November 10, 2018.  I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

Update, 11/8/18, 9:59 a.m.:

CNN reports that at least 21 people were injured in addition to the 12 people who died as a result of the massacre.

The suspect has also reportedly been identified.

Update, 11/8/18, 8:18 a.m:

President Donald Trump addressed the mass killing on Twitter.

He wrote, "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."

"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," he added.

What else?

Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said that the scene of the massacre was "horrific."

"It’s a horrific scene in there, there is blood everywhere and the suspect is part of that, and I didn’t want to get that close and disturb the scene and possibly disturb the investigation," he said.

"Right now as far as we know there was only one handgun," Dean explained, "but that could certainly change as we do a more thorough search of the building."

The Borderline Bar and Grill is about 40 miles outside of Los Angeles. According to the establishment's website, the entertainment venue is a country-themed club that often hosts live music events.

"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 reads. "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."

Eyewitness John Hedge told ABC News that the suspect "was throwing smoke grenades all over the place."

"I saw him point to the back of the cash register and he just kept firing. I ran out the front door," Hedge added.

"I hear chairs being thrown out the window — people were trying to get out of the window," Hedge explained. "I don't know how I didn't get shot."



Do we know anything about the victims yet?

Multiple students from Pepperdine University, a nearby Christian college, were in attendance at the event when the suspect opened fire, according to a Thursday tweet.

The tweet read,"The University has determined that multiple Pepperdine students were on site at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks. At this time, the University is working to identify and provide support to those students."

"Pepperdine officials are working with authorities and will provide updates as more information is available. The University offers its deepest condolences and is praying for everyone involved in tonight’s tragic events," a second tweet read.

Groups of people could be seen appearing to pray outside of the venue, according to social media posts.

UPDATE: This story has been updated to reflect the correct time that the shooting was initially reported. 

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Sarah Taylor

Sarah Taylor

Sarah is a former staff writer for TheBlaze, and a former managing editor and producer at TMZ. She resides in Delaware with her family. You can reach her via Twitter at @thesarahdtaylor.

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