An unidentified gunman went on a shooting spree that killed four people and injured five more in Santa Monica, Calif. on Friday. Police gunned him down at Santa Monica College.According to ABC News, authorities are investigating nine crime scenes across Santa Monica. The rampage began at his home, where it is believed that he killed his father and brother, and left the house burning in flames. He then carjacked a woman’s car and ordered to her to drive him to Santa Monica College. On the drive, the gunman fired his assault rifle into the neighborhood, on to a city bus, and on a Ford Explorer.
The Los Angeles Times reports that once the gunman arrived at the school, police found him at the edge of campus, and started firing shots at him. The “fire fight” spilled into a library where the gunman shot an elderly woman at the entrance. Police killed the gunman at the library.
At this time, authorities have not released the name of the gunman. According to the Los Angeles Times, the gunman is suspected to be one of Samir Zawahri’s sons. Zawahri, 55, was the owner of the house and one of the bodies found at the scene where the shooting spree began. Only one other victim has been identified. Carlos Navarro Franco, 68, was the driver of the red Ford Explorer the gunman fired on.
Although the suspect’s name has not been revealed, information about the shooter is leaking out. CNN reported the gunman had been previously hospitalized for mental health. A law enforcement official told CNN that the gunman received treatment after talking about “harming someone”. CBS News senior correspondent John Miller believes the gunman’s actions were premeditated. Miller, a former assistant FBI director told “CBS: This Morning Saturday” that authorities learned from neighbors that there was an ongoing conflict in the house. However, Miller then said, “Certainly we can tell this was not a visit to the house that turned into an argument. He prepared himself with weaponry. He prepared himself with tactical gear and clothing. This the kind of thing that he was either planning–fantasizing about first, then planning–and then literally getting dressed up for, so he could create this person who could change everything.”
Police had also apprehended a second man, but released him and said he was not involved in the shooting. Santa Monica College remained closed today to allow authorities to investigate the scene.
