A gunman dressed in body armour <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-less-than-a-minute-gunman-kills-9-people-in-ohio-mass-shooting-240677">opened fire in downtown Dayton</a>, Ohio, early on Sunday, killing nine people including his&nbsp;sister&nbsp;and wounding 27 others, authorities said, in the second deadly US mass shooting in less than a day.

Police officers who were on routine patrol nearby arrived on the scene in less than a minute and shot the attacker dead, likely preventing a much higher casualty toll, police and the city's mayor said.

"In less than one minute, Dayton first responders neutralized the shooter," Mayor Nan Whaley said at a news conference. "I'm just still completely amazed at the heroic nature of our police department."

Assistant Police Chief Matt Carper named the gunman as Connor Betts, a 24-year-old white male from Bellbrook, Ohio, and said his&nbsp;sister&nbsp;Megan Betts, 22, was among those killed.

Carper told reporters the shooting began at 1 a.m. local time in Dayton's Oregon District, a historic neighbourhood popular for its nightclubs, restaurants, art galleries and shops.

The motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear, and investigators believe the individual had acted alone, Carper said.

The victims were four women and five men and ranged in age from 22 to 57, authorities said, adding that the youngest was the gunman's&nbsp;sister. Six of the nine people killed were African-American.

Watch:&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" />United States bloody history of mass shootings

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-bloody-history-of-mass-shootings-240651/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"There isn't much discrimination in the shooting," Carper told reporters. "It happened in a very short period of time."

Of the 27 people injured, four remained in serious condition and one person in critical, medical authorities said.

Whaley said the suspect wore body armour and fired a rifle with .223-caliber rounds from high-capacity ammunition magazines.

Had police officers not confronted the suspect as quickly as they did, "hundreds of people in the Oregon District could be dead today," the mayor said.

FBI agents were assisting in the investigation.

The shooting in Dayton, a riverfront city of about 140,000 people in southwestern Ohio, came just 13 hours after a mass shooting at a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas, where 20 people were killed and 26 others wounded. The 21-year-old suspect in that shooting was arrested.

The Ohio shooting was the third major outbreak of US gun violence, coming seven days after a teenager killed three people with an assault rifle at a food festival in Northern California before taking his own life.

The latest shooting occurred outside a Dayton tavern called Ned Peppers Bar.

The Dayton Daily News cited a Facebook post from James Wilson, who said he was a customer sitting on a patio just outside the bar when the&nbsp; 
shooting occurred in front of the establishment.

"He (a gunman) tried to get into the bar but did not make it through the door," Wilson wrote. "Someone took the gun from him and he got shot and is dead."

One witness, Anthony Reynolds, said he heard gunfire that sounded like it was coming from a high-powered weapon.

"Just boom boom boom boom boom boom rapid," he said. "You could tell there's a big gun. You're not going to get those from no handgun. You're not."

Deb Decker, a spokeswoman for emergency services in Montgomery County, Ohio, told CNN the assailant had been making his way to Ned Peppers from another bar when someone grabbed the barrel of his rifle, and he drew a handgun, but was then shot as police arrived.

The mayor said the carnage in Dayton marked the 250th mass shooting in the United States so far this year, a figure that could not immediately be verified.

A gunman dressed in body armour opened fire in downtown Dayton, Ohio, early on Sunday, killing nine people including his sister and wounding 27 others, authorities said, in the second deadly US mass shooting in less than a day.

A gunman dressed in body armour opened fire in downtown Dayton, Ohio, early on Sunday, killing nine people including his sister and wounding 27 others, authorities said, in the second deadly US mass shooting in less than a day. Police officers who were on routine patrol nearby arrived on the scene in less than a minute and shot the attacker dead, likely preventing a much higher casualty toll, police and the city's mayor said. "In less than one minute, Dayton first responders neutralized the shooter," Mayor Nan Whaley said at a news conference. "I'm just still completely amazed at the heroic nature of our police department." Assistant Police Chief Matt Carper named the gunman as Connor Betts, a 24-year-old white male from Bellbrook, Ohio, and said his sister Megan Betts, 22, was among those killed. Carper told reporters the shooting began at 1 a.m. local time in Dayton's Oregon District, a historic neighbourhood popular for its nightclubs, restaurants, art galleries and shops. The motive behind the shooting was not immediately clear, and investigators believe the individual had acted alone, Carper said. The victims were four women and five men and ranged in age from 22 to 57, authorities said, adding that the youngest was the gunman's sister. Six of the nine people killed were African-American. Watch: United States bloody history of mass shootings "There isn't much discrimination in the shooting," Carper told reporters. "It happened in a very short period of time." Of the 27 people injured, four remained in serious condition and one person in critical, medical authorities said. Whaley said the suspect wore body armour and fired a rifle with .223-caliber rounds from high-capacity ammunition magazines. Had police officers not confronted the suspect as quickly as they did, "hundreds of people in the Oregon District could be dead today," the mayor said. FBI agents were assisting in the investigation. The shooting in Dayton, a riverfront city of about 140,000 people in southwestern Ohio, came just 13 hours after a mass shooting at a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas, where 20 people were killed and 26 others wounded. The 21-year-old suspect in that shooting was arrested. The Ohio shooting was the third major outbreak of US gun violence, coming seven days after a teenager killed three people with an assault rifle at a food festival in Northern California before taking his own life. The latest shooting occurred outside a Dayton tavern called Ned Peppers Bar. The Dayton Daily News cited a Facebook post from James Wilson, who said he was a customer sitting on a patio just outside the bar when the shooting occurred in front of the establishment. "He (a gunman) tried to get into the bar but did not make it through the door," Wilson wrote. "Someone took the gun from him and he got shot and is dead." One witness, Anthony Reynolds, said he heard gunfire that sounded like it was coming from a high-powered weapon. "Just boom boom boom boom boom boom rapid," he said. "You could tell there's a big gun. You're not going to get those from no handgun. You're not." Deb Decker, a spokeswoman for emergency services in Montgomery County, Ohio, told CNN the assailant had been making his way to Ned Peppers from another bar when someone grabbed the barrel of his rifle, and he drew a handgun, but was then shot as police arrived. The mayor said the carnage in Dayton marked the 250th mass shooting in the United States so far this year, a figure that could not immediately be verified.

Sister of gunman among nine dead in Ohio mass shooting

A gunman armed with an assault rifle killed 20 people Saturday when he opened fire on shoppers at a packed Walmart store in the latest mass shooting in the United States.

As residents of the southern border town of El Paso in Texas tried to absorb the full horror of what is being treated as a potential "hate crime," fresh calls rang out to end the nationwide "epidemic" of gun violence.

It was the second fatal shooting in less than a week at a Walmart store in the US and comes after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-shooting-suspected-gunman-killed-death-toll-rises-to-4-239150">mass shooting in California</a> last weekend.&nbsp;

One suspect was taken into custody while authorities were studying an extremist manifesto purportedly written by the gunman.

Footage shot on camera phones appeared to show multiple bodies lying on the ground in the store's parking lot while El Paso authorities made a desperate appeal for blood donations.&nbsp;

Other footage showed terrified shoppers running out of the store as gunfire echoed.

Two to 82 years&nbsp;

"Twenty innocent people from El Paso have lost their lives," Texas Governor Greg Abbott told a press conference.

"We as a state unite in support of these victims and their family members... We pray that God can be with those who have been harmed in any way and bind up their wounds."

Police chief Greg Allen confirmed that in addition to the 20 confirmed fatalities, there were 26 wounded.

Various news reports said the ages of victims being treated at hospitals ranged from two to 82 years.

Police said that Walmart was "at capacity" at the time of the shooting, with 1,000-3,000 customers inside.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
....Melania and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the great people of Texas.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1157825763326013440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After officials initially said three people had been detained, police confirmed that a 21-year-old from Allen, Texas, was the only person in custody.

"Right now we have a manifesto from this individual that indicates to some degree, it has a nexus to potential hate crime," Allen said.

US media named the suspect as 21-year-old Patrick Crusius, who is white.

The "manifesto" purportedly written by Crusius that was circulated online includes passages railing against the "Hispanic invasion" of Texas and the author makes clear that he expected to be killed during his attack.

Witnesses said the gunman appeared to be shooting at random when he opened fire around 10:30 am.

One woman, who gave her name as Vanessa, said she had just pulled into the Walmart parking lot when the shooting began.

"You could hear the pops, one right after another and at that point as I was turning, I saw a lady, seemed she was coming out of Walmart, headed to her car. She had her groceries in her cart and I saw her just fall," she told Fox News.

The witness said the gunman wore black t-shirt, combat trousers and was wearing ear muffs.

"He was just shooting randomly. It wasn't to any particular person. It was any that would cross paths."

Another shopper described how he managed to avoid being hit by hiding along with his mother between two vending machines just outside the store.

"That's where the individual tried to shoot at me, which he missed cause I kind of ducked down," Robert Curado told the El Paso Times.

'How you doing, brother'&nbsp;

Video captured by a witness in the parking lot in the immediate aftermath of the shooting showed three people lying motionless on the ground.

One had fallen next to a truck, while two were on the sidewalk outside the store entrance. " Ambulance! Help!" people cried as they rushed to the victims.

"How you doing, brother, how you doing," one man was heard saying on the recording.

A still captured from CCTV showed the gunman carrying what appeared to be an AK-47.

President Donald Trump, who is spending the weekend at his golf club in New Jersey, condemned the "terrible" shooting after being briefed by Attorney General Bill Barr and Abbott.

It has been a particularly bad week for gun violence in the United States.

Two people died and a police officer was wounded Tuesday at a Walmart in Mississippi.

Last Sunday a 19-year-old gunman opened fire at a food festival in northern California, killing three, including two children.

Beto O'Rourke, a former US congressman for El Paso who is now running for president, cut off his campaigning in the wake of the shooting.

"I'm incredibly saddened and it's very hard to think about this. But I tell you El Paso is the strongest place in the world, this community is going to come together," he told supporters.

Elizabeth Warren, a senator who is among the frontrunners for the Democratic party's presidential nomination, said "far too many communities have suffered through tragedies like this already.

"We must act now to end our country's gun violence epidemic," she said. 
Another presidential hopeful Cory Booker said the US had "to end this national nightmare" and "find the moral courage to take action to end this carnage."

A gunman armed with an assault rifle killed 20 people Saturday when he opened fire on shoppers at a packed Walmart store in the latest mass shooting in the United States.

A gunman armed with an assault rifle killed 20 people Saturday when he opened fire on shoppers at a packed Walmart store in the latest mass shooting in the United States. As residents of the southern border town of El Paso in Texas tried to absorb the full horror of what is being treated as a potential "hate crime," fresh calls rang out to end the nationwide "epidemic" of gun violence. It was the second fatal shooting in less than a week at a Walmart store in the US and comes after a mass shooting in California last weekend. One suspect was taken into custody while authorities were studying an extremist manifesto purportedly written by the gunman. Footage shot on camera phones appeared to show multiple bodies lying on the ground in the store's parking lot while El Paso authorities made a desperate appeal for blood donations. Other footage showed terrified shoppers running out of the store as gunfire echoed. Two to 82 years "Twenty innocent people from El Paso have lost their lives," Texas Governor Greg Abbott told a press conference. "We as a state unite in support of these victims and their family members... We pray that God can be with those who have been harmed in any way and bind up their wounds." Police chief Greg Allen confirmed that in addition to the 20 confirmed fatalities, there were 26 wounded. Various news reports said the ages of victims being treated at hospitals ranged from two to 82 years. Police said that Walmart was "at capacity" at the time of the shooting, with 1,000-3,000 customers inside. ....Melania and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the great people of Texas. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2019 × After officials initially said three people had been detained, police confirmed that a 21-year-old from Allen, Texas, was the only person in custody. "Right now we have a manifesto from this individual that indicates to some degree, it has a nexus to potential hate crime," Allen said. US media named the suspect as 21-year-old Patrick Crusius, who is white. The "manifesto" purportedly written by Crusius that was circulated online includes passages railing against the "Hispanic invasion" of Texas and the author makes clear that he expected to be killed during his attack. Witnesses said the gunman appeared to be shooting at random when he opened fire around 10:30 am. One woman, who gave her name as Vanessa, said she had just pulled into the Walmart parking lot when the shooting began. "You could hear the pops, one right after another and at that point as I was turning, I saw a lady, seemed she was coming out of Walmart, headed to her car. She had her groceries in her cart and I saw her just fall," she told Fox News. The witness said the gunman wore black t-shirt, combat trousers and was wearing ear muffs. "He was just shooting randomly. It wasn't to any particular person. It was any that would cross paths." Another shopper described how he managed to avoid being hit by hiding along with his mother between two vending machines just outside the store. "That's where the individual tried to shoot at me, which he missed cause I kind of ducked down," Robert Curado told the El Paso Times. 'How you doing, brother' Video captured by a witness in the parking lot in the immediate aftermath of the shooting showed three people lying motionless on the ground. One had fallen next to a truck, while two were on the sidewalk outside the store entrance. " Ambulance! Help!" people cried as they rushed to the victims. "How you doing, brother, how you doing," one man was heard saying on the recording. A still captured from CCTV showed the gunman carrying what appeared to be an AK-47. President Donald Trump, who is spending the weekend at his golf club in New Jersey, condemned the "terrible" shooting after being briefed by Attorney General Bill Barr and Abbott. It has been a particularly bad week for gun violence in the United States. Two people died and a police officer was wounded Tuesday at a Walmart in Mississippi. Last Sunday a 19-year-old gunman opened fire at a food festival in northern California, killing three, including two children. Beto O'Rourke, a former US congressman for El Paso who is now running for president, cut off his campaigning in the wake of the shooting. "I'm incredibly saddened and it's very hard to think about this. But I tell you El Paso is the strongest place in the world, this community is going to come together," he told supporters. Elizabeth Warren, a senator who is among the frontrunners for the Democratic party's presidential nomination, said "far too many communities have suffered through tragedies like this already. "We must act now to end our country's gun violence epidemic," she said. Another presidential hopeful Cory Booker said the US had "to end this national nightmare" and "find the moral courage to take action to end this carnage."

Gunman kills 20 at Texas Walmart store in US mass shooting

People charged with possessing or distributing the video of a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/gunman-was-very-calm-during-the-rampage-survivors-tell-of-new-zealand-mosque-shootings-203612&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj0r5L49dPhAhXQ63MBHe3dBn0QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ZeM2kWUupmS_7-oBJnASV">gunman</a>'s deadly rampage at two New Zealand mosques last month have been getting death threats, local media reported Tuesday.

Footage of the horrifying massacre, in which 50 people were killed, was live-streamed and quickly spread around the internet in the hours after the attack.

Authorities warned people against sharing the video, which they declared illegal in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-watchdog-to-probe-broadcast-of-new-zealand-gunman-livestream-203993&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj0r5L49dPhAhXQ63MBHe3dBn0QFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2uHyQGdiouz-4p8j8EXe9C">New Zealand</a>, as a wave of revulsion rippled throughout the country.

Six people appeared in court on Monday charged with possessing or spreading the footage of the March 15 atrocity.

Prosecutor Pip Currie said "death threats have already been made" against some of the defendants, the Christchurch Court News website said.&nbsp;

The names of five of the six cannot be published because of a court order.

Judge Stephen O'Driscoll released three of the defendants on bail, ordering that the suppression order remain in place and warning against anyone taking the law into their own hands.

"It would be wise to let justice take its course without any outside interference, by anyone either supporting those who have come before the court, or anyone wishing to exact some form of justice on them before they come before the court," O'Driscoll said.&nbsp;

One of the accused, an 18-year-old, was also charged with possessing a photo of one of the mosques with the caption "target acquired".

People charged with possessing or distributing the video of a gunman's deadly rampage at two New Zealand mosques last month have been getting death threats, local media reported Tuesday.

People charged with possessing or distributing the video of a gunman's deadly rampage at two New Zealand mosques last month have been getting death threats, local media reported Tuesday. Footage of the horrifying massacre, in which 50 people were killed, was live-streamed and quickly spread around the internet in the hours after the attack. Authorities warned people against sharing the video, which they declared illegal in New Zealand, as a wave of revulsion rippled throughout the country. Six people appeared in court on Monday charged with possessing or spreading the footage of the March 15 atrocity. Prosecutor Pip Currie said "death threats have already been made" against some of the defendants, the Christchurch Court News website said. The names of five of the six cannot be published because of a court order. Judge Stephen O'Driscoll released three of the defendants on bail, ordering that the suppression order remain in place and warning against anyone taking the law into their own hands. "It would be wise to let justice take its course without any outside interference, by anyone either supporting those who have come before the court, or anyone wishing to exact some form of justice on them before they come before the court," O'Driscoll said. One of the accused, an 18-year-old, was also charged with possessing a photo of one of the mosques with the caption "target acquired".

Mosque massacre video distributors get death threats, court told

A gunman opened fire at an Illinois factory just after receiving notice of termination from his job there on Friday, killing five fellow workers and wounding five policemen before he was slain by police, authorities said.

The assailant, identified as Gary Martin, 45, had worked at the Henry Pratt Company for 15 years before Friday's violence unfolded at the firm's sprawling facility in Aurora, 65 kilometres west of Chicago, Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said.

At a late-night news conference, Ziman said it was not yet clear whether the suspect, armed with a Smith &amp; Wesson handgun, was carrying the weapon at the time of his dismissal or whether he "went to retrieve it" before opening fire.

An eyewitness and fellow employee told CNN he saw the gunman running through the building carrying a pistol fitted with a laser sight.

Also uncertain was the degree to which the shooting was premeditated, Ziman told reporters.

"The information that we have indicates he was being terminated today," she said, adding that the reason for his dismissal was not known to police.

The chief said investigators were still looking into whether the gunman had a prior criminal history, but public records show Martin was convicted in 1995 for aggravated assault in Mississippi. Convicted felons are generally barred from possessing firearms.

The bloodshed marked the latest spasm of gun violence in a nation where mass shootings have become almost commonplace. It came one day after the one-year anniversary of the massacre of 17 people by a gunman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

WOUNDED OFFICERS EXPECTED TO LIVE

The five policemen who were struck by gunfire and a sixth employee who was also wounded were being treated at local hospitals and were expected to survive, Ziman told reporters.

Detectives were still working to establish what relationship any of the victims - all men - had to the killer and whether any were his supervisors.

She said the five wounded officers were shot in the first five minutes of their arrival at the factory-warehouse plant, which employs about 200 workers and occupies 29,000 square feet in a working-class district of Aurora, the second-largest city in Illinois. One officer was hit just outside the building.

After the initial volleys of gunfire in the early minutes of the rampage, no further shots were fired until additional police who swarmed the factory confronted the suspect about 90 minutes later holed up inside the building. He shot at them, and they returned fire, killing the gunman, Ziman said.

"May God bless the brave law enforcement officers who continued to run toward danger," Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker told a late-afternoon news conference.

Ziman said police had searched the gunman's residence as part of their investigation of what she called a "classic workplace shooting," and preliminary evidence indicated he had acted alone.

Martin's LinkedIn page listed him as a valve assembler at the Henry Pratt plant, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Mueller Water Products.

"Mueller Water Products is shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific tragedy that occurred today at our Henry Pratt facility," Mueller said in a message on Twitter.

"Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones, the first responders, the Aurora community and the entire Mueller family during this extremely difficult time," the company said.

A gunman opened fire at an Illinois factory just after receiving notice of termination from his job there on Friday, killing five fellow workers and wounding five policemen before he was slain by police, authorities said.

A gunman opened fire at an Illinois factory just after receiving notice of termination from his job there on Friday, killing five fellow workers and wounding five policemen before he was slain by police, authorities said. The assailant, identified as Gary Martin, 45, had worked at the Henry Pratt Company for 15 years before Friday's violence unfolded at the firm's sprawling facility in Aurora, 65 kilometres west of Chicago, Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said. At a late-night news conference, Ziman said it was not yet clear whether the suspect, armed with a Smith & Wesson handgun, was carrying the weapon at the time of his dismissal or whether he "went to retrieve it" before opening fire. An eyewitness and fellow employee told CNN he saw the gunman running through the building carrying a pistol fitted with a laser sight. Also uncertain was the degree to which the shooting was premeditated, Ziman told reporters. "The information that we have indicates he was being terminated today," she said, adding that the reason for his dismissal was not known to police. The chief said investigators were still looking into whether the gunman had a prior criminal history, but public records show Martin was convicted in 1995 for aggravated assault in Mississippi. Convicted felons are generally barred from possessing firearms. The bloodshed marked the latest spasm of gun violence in a nation where mass shootings have become almost commonplace. It came one day after the one-year anniversary of the massacre of 17 people by a gunman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. WOUNDED OFFICERS EXPECTED TO LIVE The five policemen who were struck by gunfire and a sixth employee who was also wounded were being treated at local hospitals and were expected to survive, Ziman told reporters. Detectives were still working to establish what relationship any of the victims - all men - had to the killer and whether any were his supervisors. She said the five wounded officers were shot in the first five minutes of their arrival at the factory-warehouse plant, which employs about 200 workers and occupies 29,000 square feet in a working-class district of Aurora, the second-largest city in Illinois. One officer was hit just outside the building. After the initial volleys of gunfire in the early minutes of the rampage, no further shots were fired until additional police who swarmed the factory confronted the suspect about 90 minutes later holed up inside the building. He shot at them, and they returned fire, killing the gunman, Ziman said. "May God bless the brave law enforcement officers who continued to run toward danger," Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker told a late-afternoon news conference. Ziman said police had searched the gunman's residence as part of their investigation of what she called a "classic workplace shooting," and preliminary evidence indicated he had acted alone. Martin's LinkedIn page listed him as a valve assembler at the Henry Pratt plant, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Mueller Water Products. "Mueller Water Products is shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific tragedy that occurred today at our Henry Pratt facility," Mueller said in a message on Twitter. "Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones, the first responders, the Aurora community and the entire Mueller family during this extremely difficult time," the company said.

Dismissed employee kills five co-workers in Illinois factory shooting

A gunman on Thursday barged into a house in northwest Pakistan and shot dead five members of a family.

The incident occurred in Nowshera district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;

District Police Office Mansoor Aman said the residents belonged to Peshawar's Badaber area.

The slain included a couple, their daughter and two sons.&nbsp;

The motive behind the murders was yet to be known.

In a separate incident, five people were killed and four injured as lightning struck their house in Sur Gul Village Kohat district. The dead included husband and wife and three children.

A gunman on Thursday barged into a house in northwest Pakistan and shot dead five members of a family. The incident occurred in Nowshera district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

A gunman on Thursday barged into a house in northwest Pakistan and shot dead five members of a family. The incident occurred in Nowshera district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. District Police Office Mansoor Aman said the residents belonged to Peshawar's Badaber area. The slain included a couple, their daughter and two sons. The motive behind the murders was yet to be known. In a separate incident, five people were killed and four injured as lightning struck their house in Sur Gul Village Kohat district. The dead included husband and wife and three children.

Gunman kills five in northwest Pakistan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gunman-kills-five-at-us-bank-police-192336">A gunman killed five people </a>in a bank in central Florida on Wednesday and then called police to inform them of the shooting before he eventually surrendered, local authorities said.

The shooting occurred at the SunTrust Bank in Sebring, a town of about 10,000 people 95 miles (153 km) south of Orlando, around 12:30 pm ET, Sebring Police Chief Karl Hoglund said at a news conference.

The 21-year-old suspect, identified as Zephen Xaver, called 911 dispatchers and said he had shot five people inside the bank, according to authorities.

When police entered the bank, the gunman had barricaded himself inside but eventually surrendered, the Sebring Police Department said in a statement posted on Facebook.

Police did not offer any details about a possible motive.

"Today has been a tragic day in our community," Hoglund said. "We've suffered significant loss at the hands of a senseless criminal doing a senseless crime."

No information has been released about the victims, who were the only people in the bank at the time of the shooting, police said.

A spokeswoman for the bank, Sue Mallino, said, "We are working closely with officials and seeking to take care of everyone affected at our Sebring, Florida branch."

A spokeswoman for Stevens-Henager College in Utah said Xaver was an online student from September to December before he voluntarily withdrew.

Xaver lived for a time in northwest Indiana, local news in Indiana reported, citing social media accounts associated with the same name.

Xaver was hired in November to work at Avon Park Correctional Institution, a Florida Department of Corrections prison, before he resigned earlier this month, FloridaToday.com reported, citing state officials.

Avon Park did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A gunman killed five people in a bank in central Florida on Wednesday and then called police to inform them of the shooting before he eventually surrendered, local authorities said.

A gunman killed five people in a bank in central Florida on Wednesday and then called police to inform them of the shooting before he eventually surrendered, local authorities said. The shooting occurred at the SunTrust Bank in Sebring, a town of about 10,000 people 95 miles (153 km) south of Orlando, around 12:30 pm ET, Sebring Police Chief Karl Hoglund said at a news conference. The 21-year-old suspect, identified as Zephen Xaver, called 911 dispatchers and said he had shot five people inside the bank, according to authorities. When police entered the bank, the gunman had barricaded himself inside but eventually surrendered, the Sebring Police Department said in a statement posted on Facebook. Police did not offer any details about a possible motive. "Today has been a tragic day in our community," Hoglund said. "We've suffered significant loss at the hands of a senseless criminal doing a senseless crime." No information has been released about the victims, who were the only people in the bank at the time of the shooting, police said. A spokeswoman for the bank, Sue Mallino, said, "We are working closely with officials and seeking to take care of everyone affected at our Sebring, Florida branch." A spokeswoman for Stevens-Henager College in Utah said Xaver was an online student from September to December before he voluntarily withdrew. Xaver lived for a time in northwest Indiana, local news in Indiana reported, citing social media accounts associated with the same name. Xaver was hired in November to work at Avon Park Correctional Institution, a Florida Department of Corrections prison, before he resigned earlier this month, FloridaToday.com reported, citing state officials. Avon Park did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Gunman surrenders after killing five in central Florida bank: Police

A gunman killed at least five people Thursday at a bank in Sebring, Florida in the southern United States, police said.

"We have at least five victims, people who were senselessly murdered," Police Chief Karl Hoglund told a news conference.

The alleged shooter, identified as a 21-year-old resident of Sebring, has been taken into custody, Hoglund said.

Their motive was not immediately clear, and the investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

The US is plagued by frequent mass shootings and other gun violence that killed nearly 40,000 people in the US in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But despite the scale of the problem, legislative efforts to address it have largely deadlocked for years at the federal level due to opposition to stricter firearm laws from National Rifle Association lobby and its supporters.

A gunman killed at least five people Thursday at a bank in Sebring, Florida in the southern United States, police said. "We have at least five victims, people who were senselessly murdered," Police Chief Karl Hoglund told a news conference.

A gunman killed at least five people Thursday at a bank in Sebring, Florida in the southern United States, police said. "We have at least five victims, people who were senselessly murdered," Police Chief Karl Hoglund told a news conference. The alleged shooter, identified as a 21-year-old resident of Sebring, has been taken into custody, Hoglund said. Their motive was not immediately clear, and the investigation into the shooting is ongoing. The US is plagued by frequent mass shootings and other gun violence that killed nearly 40,000 people in the US in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But despite the scale of the problem, legislative efforts to address it have largely deadlocked for years at the federal level due to opposition to stricter firearm laws from National Rifle Association lobby and its supporters.

Gunman kills five at US bank: Police

A gunman killed 12 people, including a sheriff’s deputy, when he walked into a Southern California bar and grill and started shooting on Wednesday night, police said.

The gunman was also killed, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean told a news conference on Thursday, though it was not immediately clear by whom.

US shooter identified as 28-year-old veteran named Ian David Long.

"We have had several contacts with Mr. Long over the years, minor events, a traffic collision," Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said, adding that deputies were called to his house for a disturbance in April this year and "felt he might be suffering from PTSD."

An unknown number of people were also wounded during the attack at the Borderline Bar and Grill, a Country &amp; Western venue in the Los Angeles suburb of Thousand Oaks where a crowd had gathered for a night of dancing, drinking and eating.

“It’s a horrific scene in there,” Dean said. “There is blood everywhere and the suspect is part of that.”

The sheriff’s deputy who died was identified as Sgt. Ron Helus, a 29-year-veteran of the department, Dean said.

No other victims were identified. Accounts about the incident varied widely throughout the early morning hours with initial reports saying the suspect was in custody. But Sheriff Dean has since said that the gunman died at the scene.

Some social media accounts said a bearded man wearing a dark trenchcoat walked in and started shooting.

Witnesses told CNN that patrons were there for the “College Country” night with line-dancing, music, drinks and food, and the place was packed with a young crowd.

When the shots started, some people smashed windows with chairs to escape, witnesses told CNN.

Other witnesses and people posting on social media said that the man might have fired up to 30 times. Others reported fewer shots, and he might have tossed smoke bombs.

Officials said that shots were still being fired when the first officers arrived at the scene.

A gunman killed 12 people, including a sheriff’s deputy, when he walked into a Southern California bar and grill and started shooting on Wednesday night, police said.

A gunman killed 12 people, including a sheriff’s deputy, when he walked into a Southern California bar and grill and started shooting on Wednesday night, police said. The gunman was also killed, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean told a news conference on Thursday, though it was not immediately clear by whom. US shooter identified as 28-year-old veteran named Ian David Long. "We have had several contacts with Mr. Long over the years, minor events, a traffic collision," Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean said, adding that deputies were called to his house for a disturbance in April this year and "felt he might be suffering from PTSD." An unknown number of people were also wounded during the attack at the Borderline Bar and Grill, a Country & Western venue in the Los Angeles suburb of Thousand Oaks where a crowd had gathered for a night of dancing, drinking and eating. “It’s a horrific scene in there,” Dean said. “There is blood everywhere and the suspect is part of that.” The sheriff’s deputy who died was identified as Sgt. Ron Helus, a 29-year-veteran of the department, Dean said. No other victims were identified. Accounts about the incident varied widely throughout the early morning hours with initial reports saying the suspect was in custody. But Sheriff Dean has since said that the gunman died at the scene. Some social media accounts said a bearded man wearing a dark trenchcoat walked in and started shooting. Witnesses told CNN that patrons were there for the “College Country” night with line-dancing, music, drinks and food, and the place was packed with a young crowd. When the shots started, some people smashed windows with chairs to escape, witnesses told CNN. Other witnesses and people posting on social media said that the man might have fired up to 30 times. Others reported fewer shots, and he might have tossed smoke bombs. Officials said that shots were still being fired when the first officers arrived at the scene.

Video: 12 people including police officer killed, gunman also dead in California bar shooting

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/12-people-including-police-officer-killed-gunman-also-dead-in-california-bar-shooting-176217">Video: 12 people including police officer killed, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/12-people-including-police-officer-killed-gunman-also-dead-in-california-bar-shooting-176217">gunman</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/12-people-including-police-officer-killed-gunman-also-dead-in-california-bar-shooting-176217"> also dead in California bar shooting</a>

A gunman killed 12 people, including a sheriff’s deputy, when he walked into a Southern California bar and grill and started shooting on Wednesday night, police said.

The gunman was also killed, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean told a news conference on Thursday, though it was not immediately clear by whom.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-help-asia-bibi-in-blasphemy-case-leave-her-country-italy-176228">Pakistan blasphemy case: Italy says will help Asia Bibi leave her country</a>

Italy said on Tuesday it will help a Pakistani Christian woman leave her country because her life is in danger following charges of blasphemy against Islam that put her on death row for eight years.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-civilians-one-cisf-jawan-killed-in-ied-blast-in-chhattisgarh-176193">Four civilians, one CISF jawan killed in IED blast in Chhattisgarh</a>

Four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed when suspected Naxals detonated a bus with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Thursday, four days ahead of the first phase of elections in the state, police said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/xi-trumps-g20-meeting-will-be-of-great-significance-china-176194">Xi, Trump's G20 meeting will be of 'great significance': China</a>

A meeting between the Chinese and US presidents at the G20 summit will be of "great significance" in resolving bilateral problems, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Thursday, as the two countries try tentatively to get ties back on track.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-trying-to-capture-rbi-ahead-of-lok-sabha-polls-p-chidambaram-176189">Government trying to capture RBI ahead of Lok Sabha polls: P Chidambaram</a>

Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday attacked PM Modi's government stating that the regime is trying "to 'capture' RBI ahead of Lok Sabha poll, this will be catastrophic."

Video: 12 people including police officer killed, gunman also dead in California bar shooting A gunman killed 12 people, including a sheriff’s deputy, when he walked into a Southern California bar and grill and started shooting on Wednesday night, police said.

Video: 12 people including police officer killed, gunman also dead in California bar shooting A gunman killed 12 people, including a sheriff’s deputy, when he walked into a Southern California bar and grill and started shooting on Wednesday night, police said. The gunman was also killed, Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean told a news conference on Thursday, though it was not immediately clear by whom. Pakistan blasphemy case: Italy says will help Asia Bibi leave her country Italy said on Tuesday it will help a Pakistani Christian woman leave her country because her life is in danger following charges of blasphemy against Islam that put her on death row for eight years. Four civilians, one CISF jawan killed in IED blast in Chhattisgarh Four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed when suspected Naxals detonated a bus with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Thursday, four days ahead of the first phase of elections in the state, police said. Xi, Trump's G20 meeting will be of 'great significance': China A meeting between the Chinese and US presidents at the G20 summit will be of "great significance" in resolving bilateral problems, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Thursday, as the two countries try tentatively to get ties back on track. Government trying to capture RBI ahead of Lok Sabha polls: P Chidambaram Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday attacked PM Modi's government stating that the regime is trying "to 'capture' RBI ahead of Lok Sabha poll, this will be catastrophic."

News brief: Big stories of the day

Twelve people are dead after a gunman opened fire at a bar in Thousand Oaks, California on Wednesday night, media reports said.&nbsp;

The shooter is also dead inside the bar, authorities said.

Ventura County Sheriff's Office Sgt Eric Buchow told the CBS affiliate in Los Angeles that there were "multiple fatalities" in the shooting and the gunman was dead inside the crowded venue in the upscale residential suburb of Thousand Oaks.

Initial reports indicated that a man had opened fire with a semi-automatic gun at about 11.20 pm.

Officers said at least 30 shots had been fired, sending hundreds of panicking people toward the exits with some breaking windows to escape.

According to CNN reports, the bar is a few miles from California Lutheran University and is a popular spot for students on such nights. The western-style bar hosts theme nights such as country, salsa and swing dancing.

Thousand Oaks is in Ventura County, about 40 miles from downtown Los Angeles.

Twelve people are dead after a gunman opened fire at a bar in Thousand Oaks, California on Wednesday night, media reports said. The shooter is also dead inside the bar, authorities said.

Twelve people are dead after a gunman opened fire at a bar in Thousand Oaks, California on Wednesday night, media reports said. The shooter is also dead inside the bar, authorities said. Ventura County Sheriff's Office Sgt Eric Buchow told the CBS affiliate in Los Angeles that there were "multiple fatalities" in the shooting and the gunman was dead inside the crowded venue in the upscale residential suburb of Thousand Oaks. Initial reports indicated that a man had opened fire with a semi-automatic gun at about 11.20 pm. Officers said at least 30 shots had been fired, sending hundreds of panicking people toward the exits with some breaking windows to escape. According to CNN reports, the bar is a few miles from California Lutheran University and is a popular spot for students on such nights. The western-style bar hosts theme nights such as country, salsa and swing dancing. Thousand Oaks is in Ventura County, about 40 miles from downtown Los Angeles.

Video: At least 12 killed in California bar shooting; gunman dead

A hostage drama in Florida ended&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;with the death of four children at the hands of a gunman, who also took his own life, police said.

The ordeal began&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;in Orlando when police responded to a report of domestic violence at an apartment and one of the officers was shot. That officer remains in critical condition.

The gunman remained holed up in the apartment overnight and all day&nbsp;Monday with the children, who were aged one, six, 10 and 11.

"A short time ago we made entry into the apartment and found that all four children have been killed by the suspect by apparent gunshot wounds," Orlando police chief John Mina told a news conference just before&nbsp;midnight.

"It appears the suspect took his own life as well," Mina added.

Police stayed in contact with the gunman throughout the day.

The gunman's phone had sporadic service, and police tried to offer him one of their phones.

In doing so, officers saw the body of one child and decided to try to rescue the others. A big boom was heard at the complex at about&nbsp;9:00 pm, the Orlando Sentinel newspaper reported.

It said the gunman has been identified as Gary Lindsey, 35, and that he was a felon on probation for arson and other offenses.

Two of the children were believed to be his and other two were of the woman who reported Lindsey for hitting her, the paper said.

That woman called police after fleeing the apartment&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;night.

The gunman remained holed up in the apartment overnight and all day Monday with the children, who were aged one, six, 10 and 11

A hostage drama in Florida ended Monday with the death of four children at the hands of a gunman, who also took his own life, police said. The ordeal began Sunday in Orlando when police responded to a report of domestic violence at an apartment and one of the officers was shot. That officer remains in critical condition. The gunman remained holed up in the apartment overnight and all day Monday with the children, who were aged one, six, 10 and 11. "A short time ago we made entry into the apartment and found that all four children have been killed by the suspect by apparent gunshot wounds," Orlando police chief John Mina told a news conference just before midnight. "It appears the suspect took his own life as well," Mina added. Police stayed in contact with the gunman throughout the day. The gunman's phone had sporadic service, and police tried to offer him one of their phones. In doing so, officers saw the body of one child and decided to try to rescue the others. A big boom was heard at the complex at about 9:00 pm, the Orlando Sentinel newspaper reported. It said the gunman has been identified as Gary Lindsey, 35, and that he was a felon on probation for arson and other offenses. Two of the children were believed to be his and other two were of the woman who reported Lindsey for hitting her, the paper said. That woman called police after fleeing the apartment Sunday night.

Four children killed in US hostage drama

Gunmen shot a Sikh peace activist on Tuesday in Peshawar on Tuesday, killing him on the spot. The gunman fired shots at Scheme Chowk, Budhbir area.&nbsp;

Charanjeet Singh, a human rights activists, and Sikh community leader was shot by bike-borne assailants on Tuesday morning. Singh had been living in Peshawar with his family for more than 20 years and was a respected&nbsp;leader in the region.&nbsp;

As per reports, Singh, at the time, was sitting in his shop when the attackers came on a bike and opened fire on him and fled.&nbsp;

Although the exact motive behind the incident is still unknown, community and local political leaders suspect the hand of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) hand in the attack.

In the run-up to the upcoming general election, which is scheduled for July 25, the political atmosphere of the country is getting increasingly turbulent. While the Pakistan Army and the ISI have been covertly supporting the extremism, a few players are contesting to bring a more liberal government in Islamabad.

The police have launched an investigation after lodging a case at Inqalab Police Station.&nbsp;

About 60,000 Sikhs live&nbsp;in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including 15,000 in&nbsp;Peshawar&nbsp;alone, who have time and again raised the issue of discrimination.&nbsp;

Charanjeet Singh, a human rights activists, and Sikh community leader was shot by bike-borne assailants on Tuesday morning

Gunmen shot a Sikh peace activist on Tuesday in Peshawar on Tuesday, killing him on the spot. The gunman fired shots at Scheme Chowk, Budhbir area. Charanjeet Singh, a human rights activists, and Sikh community leader was shot by bike-borne assailants on Tuesday morning. Singh had been living in Peshawar with his family for more than 20 years and was a respected leader in the region. As per reports, Singh, at the time, was sitting in his shop when the attackers came on a bike and opened fire on him and fled. Although the exact motive behind the incident is still unknown, community and local political leaders suspect the hand of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) hand in the attack. In the run-up to the upcoming general election, which is scheduled for July 25, the political atmosphere of the country is getting increasingly turbulent. While the Pakistan Army and the ISI have been covertly supporting the extremism, a few players are contesting to bring a more liberal government in Islamabad. The police have launched an investigation after lodging a case at Inqalab Police Station. About 60,000 Sikhs live in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including 15,000 in Peshawar alone, who have time and again raised the issue of discrimination.

Sikh human rights activist shot dead in Pakistan

A gunman on Tuesday fired shots in eastern Belgium's city of Liege killing two police officers and one civilian as a terrorist incident before being shot, the local public prosecutor told a news conference.

As per UK based reports, the police identified the gunman as&nbsp;Benjamin Herman, 36,&nbsp;from Rochefort, a city close to Liege. He had been involved in criminal activities such as&nbsp;robbery, assault, and drug-dealing and was well-known to the police.&nbsp;

The 36-year-old petty criminal&nbsp;had been let out on day-release from a local prison on Monday. Police said investigators were looking into whether he converted to Islam and had been radicalised in jail, Reuters reported.

However, the government had not listed Herman&nbsp;as a potential terrorist, according to local media, but had been in contact with radicalised prisoners during his multiple times in jail.

The prosecutor said the man attacked the two officers from behind with a knife, took one of their guns and shot them both dead.

The&nbsp;attacker then shot dead a 22-year-old man in a nearby vehicle, before taking refuge in a school where he was killed in a subsequent gunfight during which several other policemen were wounded.

The gunman had also taken a female cleaner hostage at the school before being killed by police.&nbsp;

La Libre Belgique newspaper quoted a police source as saying the gunman shouted Allahu Akbar — God is greatest in Arabic -- and RTBF said investigators believed the attacker may well have had a terrorist motive.

The reason behind the shooting is not clear yet, investigations are still on.&nbsp;

Belgian police and military have been on alert since suicide bombers killed 32 people at the Brussels airport and subway system in 2016.

The prosecutor said the man attacked the two officers from behind with a knife, took one of their guns and shot them both dead

A gunman on Tuesday fired shots in eastern Belgium's city of Liege killing two police officers and one civilian as a terrorist incident before being shot, the local public prosecutor told a news conference. As per UK based reports, the police identified the gunman as Benjamin Herman, 36, from Rochefort, a city close to Liege. He had been involved in criminal activities such as robbery, assault, and drug-dealing and was well-known to the police. The 36-year-old petty criminal had been let out on day-release from a local prison on Monday. Police said investigators were looking into whether he converted to Islam and had been radicalised in jail, Reuters reported. However, the government had not listed Herman as a potential terrorist, according to local media, but had been in contact with radicalised prisoners during his multiple times in jail. The prosecutor said the man attacked the two officers from behind with a knife, took one of their guns and shot them both dead. The attacker then shot dead a 22-year-old man in a nearby vehicle, before taking refuge in a school where he was killed in a subsequent gunfight during which several other policemen were wounded. The gunman had also taken a female cleaner hostage at the school before being killed by police. La Libre Belgique newspaper quoted a police source as saying the gunman shouted Allahu Akbar — God is greatest in Arabic -- and RTBF said investigators believed the attacker may well have had a terrorist motive. The reason behind the shooting is not clear yet, investigations are still on. Belgian police and military have been on alert since suicide bombers killed 32 people at the Brussels airport and subway system in 2016.

Belgium shooting: Gunman had recently been let out on day-release from local prison

At least one person was killed and another was injured after a shooting at a mall in Southern California of the United States.

The county fire department said the victim who was injured at The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks was taken to a hospital.

The Ventura County Fire Department Public Information Officer (VCFD PIO) on Twitter said, &quot;Update on #HillcrestIncident: confirmed one DOA and one person being transported by ambulance. The incident is static, VC Sheriff has command and perimeter control. @VCFD&quot;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Update on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HillcrestIncident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HillcrestIncident</a>: confirmed one DOA and one person being transported by ambulance. Incident is static, VC Sheriff has command and perimeter control. <a href="https://twitter.com/VCFD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VCFD</a>
&mdash; VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) <a href="https://twitter.com/VCFD_PIO/status/975131743178010624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The authorities set up a safety zone across the street at the Ventura County Fire station.

&quot;#HillcrestIncident Oaks Mall patrons being advised they can go to @VCFD Fire station 30 across the street for a safety zone,&quot; VCFD PIO said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HillcrestIncident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HillcrestIncident</a> Oaks Mall patrons being advised they can go to <a href="https://twitter.com/VCFD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VCFD</a> Fire station 30 across the street for a safety zone.
&mdash; VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) <a href="https://twitter.com/VCFD_PIO/status/975132478234017792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The shooter was wounded and taken to a hospital, according to Ventura County fire Captain Steve Swindle. He said there was no threat to the public. Shoppers had been locked down at The Oaks mall in the city of Thousand Oaks, about 40 miles (64 kilometres) west of Los Angeles.

Video captured by witnesses&nbsp;shows the panic that followed the shooting.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Never would have thought It would happen in Thousand Oaks. I was at the mall when this happened, just trying to buy some shoes, then POP!! people started running... I Honestly don&rsquo;t want to go outside anymore. If you love someone PLEASE let them know. <a href="https://t.co/ZAGyZi2aOL">pic.twitter.com/ZAGyZi2aOL</a>
&mdash; SadBoy805 (@_MikeyG_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_MikeyG_/status/975166762676191234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Firefighters opened up a nearby fire station as a safety zone for shoppers.

The Ventura County sheriff&#39;s department said the incident has been contained and there&#39;s no threat to the public.

(With inputs from ANI)

The Ventura County sheriff's department said the incident has been contained and there's no threat to the public

At least one person was killed and another was injured after a shooting at a mall in Southern California of the United States. The county fire department said the victim who was injured at The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks was taken to a hospital. The Ventura County Fire Department Public Information Officer (VCFD PIO) on Twitter said, "Update on #HillcrestIncident: confirmed one DOA and one person being transported by ambulance. The incident is static, VC Sheriff has command and perimeter control. @VCFD" Update on #HillcrestIncident: confirmed one DOA and one person being transported by ambulance. Incident is static, VC Sheriff has command and perimeter control. @VCFD — VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) March 17, 2018 × The authorities set up a safety zone across the street at the Ventura County Fire station. "#HillcrestIncident Oaks Mall patrons being advised they can go to @VCFD Fire station 30 across the street for a safety zone," VCFD PIO said. #HillcrestIncident Oaks Mall patrons being advised they can go to @VCFD Fire station 30 across the street for a safety zone. — VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) March 17, 2018 × The shooter was wounded and taken to a hospital, according to Ventura County fire Captain Steve Swindle. He said there was no threat to the public. Shoppers had been locked down at The Oaks mall in the city of Thousand Oaks, about 40 miles (64 kilometres) west of Los Angeles. Video captured by witnesses shows the panic that followed the shooting. Never would have thought It would happen in Thousand Oaks. I was at the mall when this happened, just trying to buy some shoes, then POP!! people started running... I Honestly don’t want to go outside anymore. If you love someone PLEASE let them know. pic.twitter.com/ZAGyZi2aOL — SadBoy805 (@_MikeyG_) March 18, 2018 × Firefighters opened up a nearby fire station as a safety zone for shoppers. The Ventura County sheriff's department said the incident has been contained and there's no threat to the public. (With inputs from ANI)

1 dead, 1 injured after shooting at Southern California mall, gunman wounds himself

Three women and a gunman who held them hostage at a California veterans home were found dead late on Friday, bringing a tragic end to an all-day standoff with police at the sprawling facility, authorities said.

A state senator whose district includes the area, Bill Dodd, earlier told reporters that the gunman was a member of Pathway Home, a program for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and that the hostages were believed to be employees of the facility.

&quot;This is a tragic piece of news we hoped not to share with the public,&quot; California Highway Patrol spokesman Chris Childs told reporters outside the sprawling facility in Yountville, a picturesque town located in the heart of Napa Valley&#39;s wine country about 60 miles (97 km) north of San Francisco.

The siege came less than a month after a former student with an assault-style rifle killed 17 people at a Florida high school. That massacre touched off a student-led drive for new restrictions on gun sales to curb mass shootings that have occurred with frightening frequency in the United States over the past few years.

The Veterans Home of California, which houses about 1,000 disabled and aging military veterans, is the largest facility of its kind in the United States. The Pathway Home is housed in a separate building on the campus.

The entire complex, its staff and residents were placed under a security lockdown during the siege.

The gunman walked into the Pathway Home building carrying a rifle during a going-away party for one of the employees, according to Larry Kamer, the husband of one of the program&#39;s administrators who said he spoke to his wife by telephone during the standoff.

Three women and a gunman who held them hostage at a California veterans home were found dead late on Friday, bringing a tragic end to an all-day standoff with police at the sprawling facility, authorities said

Three women and a gunman who held them hostage at a California veterans home were found dead late on Friday, bringing a tragic end to an all-day standoff with police at the sprawling facility, authorities said. A state senator whose district includes the area, Bill Dodd, earlier told reporters that the gunman was a member of Pathway Home, a program for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and that the hostages were believed to be employees of the facility. "This is a tragic piece of news we hoped not to share with the public," California Highway Patrol spokesman Chris Childs told reporters outside the sprawling facility in Yountville, a picturesque town located in the heart of Napa Valley's wine country about 60 miles (97 km) north of San Francisco. The siege came less than a month after a former student with an assault-style rifle killed 17 people at a Florida high school. That massacre touched off a student-led drive for new restrictions on gun sales to curb mass shootings that have occurred with frightening frequency in the United States over the past few years. The Veterans Home of California, which houses about 1,000 disabled and aging military veterans, is the largest facility of its kind in the United States. The Pathway Home is housed in a separate building on the campus. The entire complex, its staff and residents were placed under a security lockdown during the siege. The gunman walked into the Pathway Home building carrying a rifle during a going-away party for one of the employees, according to Larry Kamer, the husband of one of the program's administrators who said he spoke to his wife by telephone during the standoff.

Gunman and three hostages found dead at California veterans home

A gunman who once served in the US&nbsp;military opened fire on Friday inside a California home for disabled and aging war veterans, where he took three hostages and was holding police at bay as negotiators sought to make contact with him for several hours, authorities said.

No injuries were reported at the sprawling facility in Yountville, a picturesque town located in the heart of Napa Valley&#39;s wine country about 60 miles north of San Francisco. But the building, its staff and approximately 1,000 residents were placed under a security lockdown.

State Senator Bill Dodd, who represents the area, told reporters that the gunman was a member of the Pathway Home, a program for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

The hostages were believed to be employees at the facility, the largest of its kind in the nation, who worked with the suspect in the Pathway program, he said.

A woman who encountered the gunman when he entered the facility talked to her husband, Larry Kamer, by phone. &quot;She&rsquo;s quite shaken up. She&rsquo;s in a locked down building,&rdquo; Kamer said, adding she was staying calm.

According to his wife&#39;s account, the gunman &quot;walked in with a rifle. She was face to face with him when he walked in,&rdquo; he said.

Hostage negotiators from three different agencies were trying to make contact with the suspect, the California Highway Patrol said.

&quot;Gunfire was exchanged. It&#39;s not known at this time how many rounds were exchanged, but I am happy to report that at this moment there have been no injuries,&quot; CHP spokesman Chris Childs told reporters.

The standoff comes less than a month after a former student with an assault-style rifle killed 17 people at a Florida high school. The massacre touched off a student-led drive for new restrictions on gun ownership to prevent the kind of mass shootings that have become epidemic in the United States.

A Napa County sheriff&#39;s deputy arrived at the scene within four minutes of the first reports of gunfire and exchanged shots with the suspect, Sheriff John Robertson said. Authorities know the gunman&#39;s identity, he said, but were not disclosing his name publicly.

A resident of the home, identified as Rod Allen by the local CBS television affiliate KPIX, said the gunman took the hostages after allowing some people at a party to leave. He fired about 30 shots, the resident said.

The California Department of Veterans Affairs could not be reached immediately for comment but in a Facebook post said it was following reports of gunfire at the home.

No injuries were reported at the sprawling facility in Yountville, a picturesque town located in the heart of Napa Valley, California

A gunman who once served in the US military opened fire on Friday inside a California home for disabled and aging war veterans, where he took three hostages and was holding police at bay as negotiators sought to make contact with him for several hours, authorities said. No injuries were reported at the sprawling facility in Yountville, a picturesque town located in the heart of Napa Valley's wine country about 60 miles north of San Francisco. But the building, its staff and approximately 1,000 residents were placed under a security lockdown. State Senator Bill Dodd, who represents the area, told reporters that the gunman was a member of the Pathway Home, a program for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. The hostages were believed to be employees at the facility, the largest of its kind in the nation, who worked with the suspect in the Pathway program, he said. A woman who encountered the gunman when he entered the facility talked to her husband, Larry Kamer, by phone. "She’s quite shaken up. She’s in a locked down building,” Kamer said, adding she was staying calm. According to his wife's account, the gunman "walked in with a rifle. She was face to face with him when he walked in,” he said. Hostage negotiators from three different agencies were trying to make contact with the suspect, the California Highway Patrol said. "Gunfire was exchanged. It's not known at this time how many rounds were exchanged, but I am happy to report that at this moment there have been no injuries," CHP spokesman Chris Childs told reporters. The standoff comes less than a month after a former student with an assault-style rifle killed 17 people at a Florida high school. The massacre touched off a student-led drive for new restrictions on gun ownership to prevent the kind of mass shootings that have become epidemic in the United States. A Napa County sheriff's deputy arrived at the scene within four minutes of the first reports of gunfire and exchanged shots with the suspect, Sheriff John Robertson said. Authorities know the gunman's identity, he said, but were not disclosing his name publicly. A resident of the home, identified as Rod Allen by the local CBS television affiliate KPIX, said the gunman took the hostages after allowing some people at a party to leave. He fired about 30 shots, the resident said. The California Department of Veterans Affairs could not be reached immediately for comment but in a Facebook post said it was following reports of gunfire at the home.

Gunman holed up at California veterans home with 3 hostages 

The authorities on Sunday confirmed the death of the gunman, who had shot himself in front of the White House on Saturday.

&quot;Adult male has been declared deceased,&quot; the Washington, DC Police Department said on Twitter. &nbsp;

The gunman has been identified by the Secret service and the Metropolitan Police Department, but his name has not been disclosed citing security reasons.

The Secret Service said a white male approached the fence north of the White House at about 11:46 am, &quot;removed a concealed handgun and fired several rounds, none of which appear at this time to have been directed towards the White House.&quot;

While as many as 100 people -- mostly tourists -- were on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House at the time, no one else was reported hurt &nbsp;confirming that the Gunman did not target any shot towards the White House., the Secret Service said.&nbsp;

At the time, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania were at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. The president was set to return to Washington later Saturday to attend the annual Gridiron Club media dinner.

&quot;We are aware of the incident,&quot; deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley said. &quot;The president has been briefed.&quot;

Local police will lead an investigation of the shooting, with support from the Secret Service and other agencies, the Secret Service said.

The gunman has been identified by the Secret service and the Metropolitan Police Department, but his name has not been disclosed citing security reasons

The authorities on Sunday confirmed the death of the gunman, who had shot himself in front of the White House on Saturday. "Adult male has been declared deceased," the Washington, DC Police Department said on Twitter. The gunman has been identified by the Secret service and the Metropolitan Police Department, but his name has not been disclosed citing security reasons. The Secret Service said a white male approached the fence north of the White House at about 11:46 am, "removed a concealed handgun and fired several rounds, none of which appear at this time to have been directed towards the White House." While as many as 100 people -- mostly tourists -- were on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House at the time, no one else was reported hurt confirming that the Gunman did not target any shot towards the White House., the Secret Service said. At the time, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania were at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. The president was set to return to Washington later Saturday to attend the annual Gridiron Club media dinner. "We are aware of the incident," deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley said. "The president has been briefed." Local police will lead an investigation of the shooting, with support from the Secret Service and other agencies, the Secret Service said.

Gunman shoots himself outside White House

A masked gunman shot dead two Christian brothers at their alcohol shop south of Cairo on Monday, security sources said.

The incident took place just days after attacks on a Coptic church and another Christian-owned shop also south of the Egyptian capital that killed more than 10 people, as security forces brace for attacks against the Arab world&#39;s largest Christian minority ahead of Orthodox Christmas celebrations.

The gunman used a rifle in the attack, shooting at the shop from outside after pulling up on a motorcycle, two security sources said. The attacker fled the scene afterwards.

An image on social media showed the body of what purported to be one of the victims, covered in blood from the waist down.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

Islamic State claimed Friday&#39;s attack on a Coptic church in Helwan, east of Giza on Cairo&#39;s outskirts and on the opposite side of the Nile river.

Egypt&#39;s large Christian minority has increasingly been targeted in recent years by Islamist militants including Islamic State, which is waging an insurgency in the north of the remote Sinai Peninsula.

Sale and consumption of alcohol in Egypt is legal, and it is sold in specialist shops or licensed premises. Some Islamists say it should be banned because it is forbidden by Islam.

A masked gunman shot dead two Christian brothers at their alcohol shop south of Cairo on Monday, security sources said. The incident took place just days after attacks on a Coptic church and another Christian-owned shop also south of the Egyptian capital that killed more than 10 people, as security forces brace for attacks against the Arab world's largest Christian minority ahead of Orthodox Christmas celebrations. The gunman used a rifle in the attack, shooting at the shop from outside after pulling up on a motorcycle, two security sources said. The attacker fled the scene afterwards. An image on social media showed the body of what purported to be one of the victims, covered in blood from the waist down. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. Islamic State claimed Friday's attack on a Coptic church in Helwan, east of Giza on Cairo's outskirts and on the opposite side of the Nile river. Egypt's large Christian minority has increasingly been targeted in recent years by Islamist militants including Islamic State, which is waging an insurgency in the north of the remote Sinai Peninsula. Sale and consumption of alcohol in Egypt is legal, and it is sold in specialist shops or licensed premises. Some Islamists say it should be banned because it is forbidden by Islam.

Gunman kills two Christians at their alcohol store south of Cairo: Security sources

A Coptic church south of Cairo was attacked by a gunman who opened fire and wounded nearly five security guards on Friday.

The shooting began at around 10.30 am and carried out for nearly 15 minutes.&nbsp;

The gunman was shot dead by the policemen.

At least 10 people were killed, including the attacker, confirmed Egypt&#39;s Health Ministry.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Terrorist attacks church near Cairo, shot dead: AFP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Egypt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Egypt</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946679116660535296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&quot;A picture of the alleged gunman&#39;s corpse published on the official Al-Ahram newspaper`s website showed a bearded man wearing a bulky ammunition vest sprawled on a street,&quot; noted AFP.&nbsp;

According to a Reuters report, &quot;the attacker had first fired at a shop 4 km (3 miles) away, killing two people, before proceeding to the Mar Mina church in the southern suburb of Helwan, where he opened fire and tried to throw an explosive device.&quot;

The Islamic State had previously claimed responsibility for multiple bombings and shootings over the past year.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Egypt&#39;s Health Ministry spokesman says 10 people killed including a gunman in attack outside Cairo church: AP
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946702708563615744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

IS&#39;s affiliate in the country carried out multiple attacks in 2017, killing dozens of Christians.

An investigation has been launched into the incident.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The gunman had opened fire outside the church, wounding five security guards

A Coptic church south of Cairo was attacked by a gunman who opened fire and wounded nearly five security guards on Friday. The shooting began at around 10.30 am and carried out for nearly 15 minutes. The gunman was shot dead by the policemen. At least 10 people were killed, including the attacker, confirmed Egypt's Health Ministry. Terrorist attacks church near Cairo, shot dead: AFP #Egypt — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2017 × "A picture of the alleged gunman's corpse published on the official Al-Ahram newspaper`s website showed a bearded man wearing a bulky ammunition vest sprawled on a street," noted AFP. According to a Reuters report, "the attacker had first fired at a shop 4 km (3 miles) away, killing two people, before proceeding to the Mar Mina church in the southern suburb of Helwan, where he opened fire and tried to throw an explosive device." The Islamic State had previously claimed responsibility for multiple bombings and shootings over the past year. Egypt's Health Ministry spokesman says 10 people killed including a gunman in attack outside Cairo church: AP — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2017 × IS's affiliate in the country carried out multiple attacks in 2017, killing dozens of Christians. An investigation has been launched into the incident. (With inputs from agencies)

Cairo: Gunman attacks church, shot dead by police

A gunman opened a fire in a pastry-making factory in Moscow on Wednesday, killing one person and taking an unknown number as hostages, Russian state news agency RIA said, citing a law enforcement source.

The &quot;Menshevik&quot; factory building, in south-east Moscow, has been cordoned off by the police, which is trying to make a contact with the gunman and free the hostages, RIA said.&nbsp;

At least three people have been wounded in the shooting, another news agency, Interfax, said, adding that the preliminary reports suggest the victim worked as a security guard at the factory, which is located on Ilovaiskaya street.

Interfax cited a source as saying that the former factory owner has opened a gunfire.

The gunman is allegedly the former owner of the factory, who confronted the present owner.

A gunman opened a fire in a pastry-making factory in Moscow on Wednesday, killing one person and taking an unknown number as hostages, Russian state news agency RIA said, citing a law enforcement source. The "Menshevik" factory building, in south-east Moscow, has been cordoned off by the police, which is trying to make a contact with the gunman and free the hostages, RIA said. At least three people have been wounded in the shooting, another news agency, Interfax, said, adding that the preliminary reports suggest the victim worked as a security guard at the factory, which is located on Ilovaiskaya street. Interfax cited a source as saying that the former factory owner has opened a gunfire.

1 killed, 3 injured after gunman opens fire in Moscow factory, hostages held: RIA

An unidentified gunman opened fire in a building in southwest Moscow&nbsp;on Wednesday.

According to the Russian Interior Ministry reports, one person has been killed and three others were injured in the attack. &nbsp;

Several people are still feared trapped inside the building. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;The conflict occurred between business entities on the basis of property disputes at around 9:13 a.m., at Ilovaiskaya street, house 20, building 1. One of the participants wounded the other one. The victim died,&quot; a representative of Russia&#39;s Interior Ministry said.

&quot;The police are taking measures to detain the suspect in the shooting,&quot; the representative added.&nbsp;

The gunman is allegedly the former owner of the factory, who confronted the present owner.

The police have cordoned off the area and are trying to contact the attacker to negotiate.

All measures are underway to detain the criminal and evacuate the people safely.&nbsp;

Measures are underway to detain the criminal.

An unidentified gunman opened fire in a building in southwest Moscow on Wednesday. According to the Russian Interior Ministry reports, one person has been killed and three others were injured in the attack. Several people are still feared trapped inside the building. "The conflict occurred between business entities on the basis of property disputes at around 9:13 a.m., at Ilovaiskaya street, house 20, building 1. One of the participants wounded the other one. The victim died," a representative of Russia's Interior Ministry said. "The police are taking measures to detain the suspect in the shooting," the representative added. The gunman is allegedly the former owner of the factory, who confronted the present owner. The police have cordoned off the area and are trying to contact the attacker to negotiate. All measures are underway to detain the criminal and evacuate the people safely.

1 killed as gunman opens fire in a building in Moscow

A man believed to be the gunman who shot dead five people in a Washington mall on Saturday has been nabbed by the police.&nbsp; 
 
The suspect, identified as Arcan Cetin of Oak Harbor,&nbsp;has been taken into custody. 
 
Cetin is a naturalised American citizen of Turkish origin. 
 
He was captured by the police about 48 km from where the deadly shooting occurred. 
 
Police however remain unsure about the motive behind the shooting. They haven&#39;t ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack. 
 
Cetin will appear in court on Monday, Reuters reported. 
 
A gunman, wearing a black tee, had entered Cascade Mall in Burlington, around 105 km north of Seattle, and shot five people in the cosmetics section of a Macy&#39;s store, police said. He then fled the spot. 
 
The shooting was the latest in a string of public violence in the United States. Just days before, nine people were killed in a knife attack at a Minnesota centre. 
 
(WION with inputs from Reuters) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A man believed to have opened fire with a rifle at a Washington state mall, killing five people, was captured on Saturday, one day after the attack, authorities said. 
 
Washington State Patrol spokesman Keith Leary said in a phone interview that the suspect was taken into custody but declined to immediately release more details. 
 
Seattle television station KOMO reported on Twitter that the suspect had been captured in Oak Harbor, a community about 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Burlington where the mall shooting occurred on Friday. 
 
Washington state police officials said in messages on Twitter that authorities would hold a news conference to provide further details about the arrest. 
 
The shooter disappeared under the cover of darkness at the Cascade Mall on Friday, authorities said. 
 
The suspect, whose name has not been released, is believed to have entered the mall in Burlington, around 65 miles (105 km) north of Seattle, and began shooting at about 7 p.m. local time on Friday in the cosmetics section of a Macy`s department store, police said.&nbsp; 
 
He initially walked into the shopping center without the rifle but surveillance video later caught him brandishing the weapon, said Lieutenant Chris Cammock of the Mount Vernon Police Department at a briefing on Saturday. 
 
(Reuters)

The suspect is naturalised US citizen of Turkish origin

A man believed to be the gunman who shot dead five people in a Washington mall on Saturday has been nabbed by the police. The suspect, identified as Arcan Cetin of Oak Harbor, has been taken into custody. Cetin is a naturalised American citizen of Turkish origin. He was captured by the police about 48 km from where the deadly shooting occurred. Police however remain unsure about the motive behind the shooting. They haven't ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack. Cetin will appear in court on Monday, Reuters reported. A gunman, wearing a black tee, had entered Cascade Mall in Burlington, around 105 km north of Seattle, and shot five people in the cosmetics section of a Macy's store, police said. He then fled the spot. The shooting was the latest in a string of public violence in the United States. Just days before, nine people were killed in a knife attack at a Minnesota centre. (WION with inputs from Reuters) A man believed to have opened fire with a rifle at a Washington state mall, killing five people, was captured on Saturday, one day after the attack, authorities said. Washington State Patrol spokesman Keith Leary said in a phone interview that the suspect was taken into custody but declined to immediately release more details. Seattle television station KOMO reported on Twitter that the suspect had been captured in Oak Harbor, a community about 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Burlington where the mall shooting occurred on Friday. Washington state police officials said in messages on Twitter that authorities would hold a news conference to provide further details about the arrest. The shooter disappeared under the cover of darkness at the Cascade Mall on Friday, authorities said. The suspect, whose name has not been released, is believed to have entered the mall in Burlington, around 65 miles (105 km) north of Seattle, and began shooting at about 7 p.m. local time on Friday in the cosmetics section of a Macy`s department store, police said. He initially walked into the shopping center without the rifle but surveillance video later caught him brandishing the weapon, said Lieutenant Chris Cammock of the Mount Vernon Police Department at a briefing on Saturday. (Reuters)

US mall shooting: Suspected gunman nabbed

A gunman shot and killed a New York imam and his assistant near their mosque in the borough of Queens during a brazen attack carried out in broad daylight Saturday. 
 
Police said the imam, identified as Maulama Akonjee, 55, and his assistant, 64-year-old Thara Uddin, were shot just before 2:00 pm (1800 GMT) in the Ozone Park neighborhood.&nbsp; 
 
The working class area, on the border between Queens and Brooklyn, is home to many Muslim families from Bangladesh. 
 
Both men were taken to nearby Jamaica Hospital with gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead there. 
 
The shooting comes amid a climate of growing Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment as a series of deadly attacks have unfolded in the United States and abroad, some of which have been claimed by the Islamic State group, and Republican presidential contender Donald Trump`s proposal to ban Muslims from entering the US.&nbsp; 
 
The two men were approached from behind by a suspect, who witnesses saw fleeing the scene with a gun, according to police. The street on which they were killed is called Liberty Avenue. 
 
Officers said the individual is still at large and the investigation is ongoing. 
 
US media reported that the men were shot after leaving the Al-Furqan Jame Masjid mosque after Saturday afternoon prayers, dressed in traditional Muslim garb. 
 
However, police said the motive is unknown and no arrests have been made. 
 
&quot;There is nothing in the preliminary investigation to indicate that they were targeted because of their faith,&quot; police told journalists.But Sarah Sayeed of the New York mayor`s office insisted that &quot;the NYPD is looking at all angles of this crime, including the hate crime (angle).&quot; 
 
Kobir Chowdhury, who heads the nearby Masjid Al-Aman mosque in Brooklyn, said: &quot;Please, read my lips. This is a hate crime, no matter which way you look at it. 
 
&quot;It`s hate against humanity, it`s hate against Muslims, these are Islamophobes who are causing these kind of troubles.&quot; 
 
During a vigil, the faithful prayed outside the mosque, heads bent and their palms facing the sky. 
 
&quot;Imagine your father gunned down for no reason, and then let that feeling, let that motivate you to come out of your silence,&quot; Afaf Nasher, the director of the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic relations, said at a tense press conference in front of the mosque. 
 
&quot;When we stay silent we allow crimes to continue to occur,&quot; she said.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;So every single one of us shares in this responsibility. And let`s not forget the victims who are essential to all of this.&quot; 
 
US Representative Nydia Velazquez said in a tweet that she was &quot;horrified&quot; by the shooting. 
 
&quot;All NYers must stand united in condemning acts like these,&quot; she added. 
 
The neighborhood`s city council representative Eric Ulrich tweeted that he stood &quot;in strong solidarity with all Muslim New Yorkers tonight as we mourn the killings.&quot; 
 
&quot;When a religious leader is killed in broad daylight on the streets of Queens, we must come together as a community and demand justice!&quot; he wrote. 
 
As night fell, a few hundred people gathered near the scene of the fatal shooting, many of them yelling &quot;we want justice&quot;. 
 
(AFP)

The duo were murdered in broad daylight on the border between Queens and Brooklyn, which is home to many Muslims from Bangladesh

A gunman shot and killed a New York imam and his assistant near their mosque in the borough of Queens during a brazen attack carried out in broad daylight Saturday. Police said the imam, identified as Maulama Akonjee, 55, and his assistant, 64-year-old Thara Uddin, were shot just before 2:00 pm (1800 GMT) in the Ozone Park neighborhood. The working class area, on the border between Queens and Brooklyn, is home to many Muslim families from Bangladesh. Both men were taken to nearby Jamaica Hospital with gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead there. The shooting comes amid a climate of growing Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment as a series of deadly attacks have unfolded in the United States and abroad, some of which have been claimed by the Islamic State group, and Republican presidential contender Donald Trump`s proposal to ban Muslims from entering the US. The two men were approached from behind by a suspect, who witnesses saw fleeing the scene with a gun, according to police. The street on which they were killed is called Liberty Avenue. Officers said the individual is still at large and the investigation is ongoing. US media reported that the men were shot after leaving the Al-Furqan Jame Masjid mosque after Saturday afternoon prayers, dressed in traditional Muslim garb. However, police said the motive is unknown and no arrests have been made. "There is nothing in the preliminary investigation to indicate that they were targeted because of their faith," police told journalists.But Sarah Sayeed of the New York mayor`s office insisted that "the NYPD is looking at all angles of this crime, including the hate crime (angle)." Kobir Chowdhury, who heads the nearby Masjid Al-Aman mosque in Brooklyn, said: "Please, read my lips. This is a hate crime, no matter which way you look at it. "It`s hate against humanity, it`s hate against Muslims, these are Islamophobes who are causing these kind of troubles." During a vigil, the faithful prayed outside the mosque, heads bent and their palms facing the sky. "Imagine your father gunned down for no reason, and then let that feeling, let that motivate you to come out of your silence," Afaf Nasher, the director of the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic relations, said at a tense press conference in front of the mosque. "When we stay silent we allow crimes to continue to occur," she said. "So every single one of us shares in this responsibility. And let`s not forget the victims who are essential to all of this." US Representative Nydia Velazquez said in a tweet that she was "horrified" by the shooting. "All NYers must stand united in condemning acts like these," she added. The neighborhood`s city council representative Eric Ulrich tweeted that he stood "in strong solidarity with all Muslim New Yorkers tonight as we mourn the killings." "When a religious leader is killed in broad daylight on the streets of Queens, we must come together as a community and demand justice!" he wrote. As night fell, a few hundred people gathered near the scene of the fatal shooting, many of them yelling "we want justice". (AFP)

Imam, assistant shot dead near New York mosque

Authorities in Baton Rouge, Louisiana say the ambush-styled shooting in their town that left three police officers dead is no longer an active shooter scenario, and that they are confident the shooter who killed the officers was the same as the suspect killed by other officers at the scene. 
 
The gunman died in a shootout with police a short time after he opened fire on the first group of officers, Colonel Mike Edmonson, superintendent of the Louisiana State Police, said in a press conference. 
 
&quot;We do believe based on the information that we have... that the person that shot and killed our officers, that he is the person that was shot and killed at the scene,&quot; Edmonson said. 
 
A gunman killed three police officers and wounded three others in Louisiana&#39;s capital on Sunday, just days after the police shooting of a black man there sparked nationwide protests, one of which led to the massacre of five Dallas policemen. 
 
Officers in Baton Rouge were responding to a call of a man carrying a gun when shots were fired at around 9 am local time (1400 GMT). Two Baton Rouge police officers and one sheriff&#39;s deputy were killed. 
 
&quot;A call came into central dispatch of the Baton Rouge police department saying that there was a guy carrying a weapon, carrying a rifle, walking in that particular area&hellip; Baton Rouge PD officers at a convenience store observed the individual. He was wearing all black standing behind a beauty supply store holding a rifle,&quot; Edmonson said. 
 
The suspect, identified by a US official as Gavin Long of Kansas City, Missouri, was believed to have acted alone. Investigators suspect a 911 emergency call may have been used to lure police to the scene, the official said on condition of anonymity. 
 
It was not immediately clear whether there was a link between the shootings and the recent unrest over the police killings of black men in Baton Rouge and Minnesota. 
 
Authorities did not give any information about the gunman&#39;s possible motive. 
 
President Barack Obama condemned the attack, vowed that justice would be done and called on Americans to focus on rhetoric and actions that united the country rather than divided it. 
 
Obama has sought to balance concerns about police abuses, largely against African-Americans, while paying tribute to fallen officers. He attended a memorial service last week for the five Dallas police officers killed by a black ex-US soldier at the end of a protest against the fatal police shootings of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge and Philando Castile in Minnesota. 
 
The Black Lives Matter civil rights movement has called for police to end racial profiling, bringing the issue to national attention ahead of the November 8 US presidential election. Republicans have pushed back, calling for support of the police. 
 
It is a time of especially heightened security across the country, notably in Cleveland and Philadelphia, hosts to this week&#39;s Republican National Convention and next week&#39;s Democratic National Convention, respectively, which are expected to formally nominate Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton for the election. 
 
(Reuters)

Investigators suspect a 911 emergency call may have been used to lure police to the scene

Authorities in Baton Rouge, Louisiana say the ambush-styled shooting in their town that left three police officers dead is no longer an active shooter scenario, and that they are confident the shooter who killed the officers was the same as the suspect killed by other officers at the scene. The gunman died in a shootout with police a short time after he opened fire on the first group of officers, Colonel Mike Edmonson, superintendent of the Louisiana State Police, said in a press conference. "We do believe based on the information that we have... that the person that shot and killed our officers, that he is the person that was shot and killed at the scene," Edmonson said. A gunman killed three police officers and wounded three others in Louisiana's capital on Sunday, just days after the police shooting of a black man there sparked nationwide protests, one of which led to the massacre of five Dallas policemen. Officers in Baton Rouge were responding to a call of a man carrying a gun when shots were fired at around 9 am local time (1400 GMT). Two Baton Rouge police officers and one sheriff's deputy were killed. "A call came into central dispatch of the Baton Rouge police department saying that there was a guy carrying a weapon, carrying a rifle, walking in that particular area… Baton Rouge PD officers at a convenience store observed the individual. He was wearing all black standing behind a beauty supply store holding a rifle," Edmonson said. The suspect, identified by a US official as Gavin Long of Kansas City, Missouri, was believed to have acted alone. Investigators suspect a 911 emergency call may have been used to lure police to the scene, the official said on condition of anonymity. It was not immediately clear whether there was a link between the shootings and the recent unrest over the police killings of black men in Baton Rouge and Minnesota. Authorities did not give any information about the gunman's possible motive. President Barack Obama condemned the attack, vowed that justice would be done and called on Americans to focus on rhetoric and actions that united the country rather than divided it. Obama has sought to balance concerns about police abuses, largely against African-Americans, while paying tribute to fallen officers. He attended a memorial service last week for the five Dallas police officers killed by a black ex-US soldier at the end of a protest against the fatal police shootings of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge and Philando Castile in Minnesota. The Black Lives Matter civil rights movement has called for police to end racial profiling, bringing the issue to national attention ahead of the November 8 US presidential election. Republicans have pushed back, calling for support of the police. It is a time of especially heightened security across the country, notably in Cleveland and Philadelphia, hosts to this week's Republican National Convention and next week's Democratic National Convention, respectively, which are expected to formally nominate Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton for the election. (Reuters)

Baton Rouge police shooter killed at scene

gunman

Gunman, News on Gunman, stories on Gunman, articles on Gunman, Gunman stories at Wion, Gunman news, Gunman latest news