Five dead after gunman kills his kids, himself inside California church

Five people are dead after a man killed his children inside a California church before turning the weapon on himself on Monday, reports said.

The gunman fatally shot the group, including three children under the age of 15, inside The Church of Sacramento at about 5 p.m., according to law enforcement officials.

The fourth victim was reported to be chaperoning the children, but that person’s relation to the shooter was unclear early Tuesday.

A law enforcement source told NBC News that the gunman used an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle in the tragic attack.

“We have found now there’s an adult male, a father who has shot and killed his three children under the age of 15,” said Sgt. Rod Grassmann with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.

“This was not a random shooting,” Grassman said, adding that the shooter and victims “all knew each other.”

Grassman also said that the shooter had a restraining order filed against him.

“This is as far as I can see, at this point, a domestic violence-related sort of incident,” he said.

A church worker heard gunshots around 5:07 p.m. and called the police.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed the violence on Monday and mourned the loss of the children.

“Another senseless act of gun violence in America – this time in our backyard,” Newsom tweeted. “In a church with kids inside. Absolutely devastating. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and their communities.”

A witness reported seeing one victim being removed from the church, the report said.

A massive police presence could be seen near the location Monday night as the scene remained active.

“Please be aware and on the look out. Local law enforcement are responding to a mass casualty shooting event in the county at a church on 2041 Wyda way,” Sacramento Councilman Eric Guerra tweeted. “Please be alert while in the area as local law enforcement responds.”

A witness reported seeing one victim being removed from the church, the report said.
A witness reported seeing one victim being removed from the church, the report said.
Investigators talk in a parking lot near a church where a shooting took place in Sacramento.
Investigators talk in a parking lot near a church where a shooting took place in Sacramento.
Neighbors watch as police officers investigate the scene.
Neighbors watch as police officers investigate the scene.
Law enforcement vehicles from several agencies block a street near the scene of a shooting in Sacramento.
The gunman fatally shot his three children and another before killing himself.
A Sacramento Police officer stands behind police tape blocking the street near the scene of a shooting.
The gunman’s children were all under the age of 15.
Law enforcement vehicles from several agencies block a street near the scene of a shooting.
A massive police presence could be seen near the location Monday night.
Police tape blocks the street.
The scene remains active as police investigate.
Police officers investigate the scene of a shooting at The Church in Sacramento.
Police officers investigate the scene of a shooting at The Church of Sacramento.
Residents look on following a shooting in a church in Sacramento.
Residents look on following a shooting in a church in Sacramento.
Police monitor the street outside the scene of the shooting.
Police monitor the street outside the scene of the shooting.

Per: NYP

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