California: 3 killed in mass shooting

By Jamiel Lynch and Josh Campbell, CNN

(CNN) — At least three people have been fatally shot and six others injured at a beloved Southern California biker bar, authorities said, in the latest of more than 460 mass shootings this year in the United States.

The attacker, believed to be a retired law enforcement officer, was killed at the scene after gunfire exploded around 7 p.m. Wednesday at Cook’s Corner, Orange County Undersheriff Jeff Hallock said.

“It’s an absolute tragic event and something that I know is probably weighing very heavy on the entire Trabuco Canyon community,” he said. “Cook’s Corner, it’s a staple here.”

The US this year has seen at least 465 mass shootings with at least four wounded, excluding a shooter, the Gun Violence Archive reports. The nation surpassed the 400 mark in July, the earliest month so high a number has been recorded since 2013, the group said.

The bar in the small community about 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles now joins a rapidly expanding list of ordinary places – neighborhoods, clothing stores, hotels and more – turned to murder scenes due to gun violence.

Authorities got 911 calls at 7:04 p.m. Wednesday reporting shots had been fired at Cook’s Corner, Hallock said.

Two minutes later, deputies arrived and confronted an armed suspect, he said.

“At that point, a deputy-involved shooting occurred and that involved multiple deputies,” Hallock said. “The man believed to be involved in the shooting is deceased at the scene.”

Authorities recovered at least one weapon at the scene, Hallock said.

Of six victims taken to a trauma center, five suffered gunshot wounds, Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy said during a Wednesday night news conference. Two of the patients were in critical condition and four were in stable condition, he added.

Established in 1884, Cook’s Corner bills itself as one of the oldest and most famous biker bars in Southern California, hosting regular specials and open mic nights.

“Children welcome,” is emblazoned on a sign in front of the bar.

Wednesday night was $8 spaghetti night at the bar, and Creedence and Company, a Creedence Clearwater Revival cover band, was scheduled to play.

“We are Saddened by the news from Cooks Corner,” the band posted on its Facebook page overnight. “Our thoughts, prayers & condolences go out to everyone in the Cooks Corner community.”

“We’ve experienced major earthquakes, forest fires, floods, recessions and other disasters,” the Cook’s Corner website reads. “We’ve gotten through all of them and came out stronger.”

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