SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Six people were killed Friday in a series of gun attacks that concluded in the library at Santa Monica College (SMC). Four others are injured and remain hospitalized, according to a press conference held by authorities late Friday afternoon.
The alleged gunman was wearing all black and a ballistic vest, and was heavily armed. Police were called to a residence due to reports of shots being fired. When they arrived on the scene, the home was engulfed in flames. Two people were found dead inside the home. The suspect is believed to then have carjacked or somehow gotten into a vehicle and shot the driver of another car.
The shooter then either drove by himself or was driven by a woman down the street. A few blocks away, just outside of Santa Monica College, he fired shots at a crowded public bus, at other vehicles and at a police vehicle. He then fled onto campus, shot a woman, entered the library and then started shooting. Santa Monica College Police and Santa Monica Police officers then exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who then was killed.
A total of six people have died, including four people on the street and one woman who died in the hospital. Neither the suspect nor the victims have been identified.
A person of interest has been detained by police. Police did not indicate that the spree began as a home invasion robbery.
Students were taking final exams at the time. Most of the SMC campus has been cleared. The lockdowns of Santa Monica schools have also been lifted.
SMC will offer counseling to members of the community who have been affected.
