The man who authorities say walked into a country bar in Thousand Oaks Wednesday night and shot and killed 12 people served in the U.S Marines and then killed himself.
He is identified as Ian David Long who authorities say lived not far from the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks where college students from nearby schools were at an 18-and-over night featuring lessons in country line dancing.
Sgt. Ron Helus was shot several times during an exchange of gunfire with the gunman, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said. He died a short time later. Sgt Helus was set to retire in the last year.
Reports say Long had legally acquired a 45 caliber Glock legally and shot with excellent form- his military background may have to do with that. The Ventura County Sheriff confirmed that 28-year-old Long was a veteran of the Marines whose mental health was evaluated after an incident at his home last April. The sheriff says a mental health crisis team was called but Long was not detained.
A neighbor of Long’s also told ABC News that Long suffered from PTSD, and that they had “no idea what he was doing with a gun.”
The U.S. Marine Corps has released details of Long’s service record, He served in the Marine Corps from 2008-2013, and had a rank of corporal. His occupational specialty was machine gunning, and he received several awards during his service including two Navy Unite Commendations,, a Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, a Combat Active Ribbon, a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, and a NATO Medal. Long served a deployment in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom, from November 2010 to June 2011.
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Long was once a student at California State University Northridge. In a statement from University President Dianne Harrison, she said that Ian David Long last attended the school in 2016.
Here's the full statement:
On behalf of California State University, Northridge, our hearts and thoughts are with the victims, survivors, first responders and loved ones affected by the horrific massacre that occurred in Thousand Oaks last night. We have learned that the reported shooter is a former CSUN student, who last attended in 2016.I know that many in the community have been impacted by this terrible tragedy. I ask that faculty and supervisors be supportive and considerate of anyone who has been touched by this tragedy. Also, please know that University Counseling Services has people available at (818) 677-2366 if you or someone you know need assistance or support. As members of the Matador family, I ask that our campus come together and support one another during this troubling time. Please check CSUN.edu for updates as more information becomes available.In accordance with a proclamation issued by the White House, I have directed that U.S. flags on campus fly at half staff until sunset, Nov. 10, in honor of the victims of this senseless tragedy.Again, I share my deepest condolences and sympathies with those affected by this horrific massacre.
(Photo credit 10News)