2018 Thousand Oaks Bar Shooting

At approximately 11:20 PM on November 7, 2018, Ian David Long, arrived at Borderline Bar & Grill. He was dressed in dark clothing and a black hoodie. He wore a baseball cap and was armed with a Glock 21 .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol that was fitted with an illegal extended magazine. He also carried smoke grenades.

Long entered through the main entrance, where 20-year-old cashier Kristina Morisette was stationed. Kristina was one of the first people he shot and killed. Long immediately opened fire and deployed at least one smoke device, possibly to confuse or disorient the crowd. Witnesses described him as moving deliberately and methodically, not speaking, and shooting without expression.

The bar was crowded with over 200 patrons, mostly young adults celebrating "College Country Night." Music was playing when the gunfire erupted. Many initially mistook it for firecrackers or a prank until people began falling. Some victims were shot at close range; others were caught while fleeing or hiding under tables and behind booths.

Within three minutes, deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff's Office and California Highway Patrol arrived. Sheriff’s Sergeant Ron Helus, 54, was the first to enter with a CHP officer. As they approached, Ian David opened fire striking Sgt. Helus five times by Long and once by friendly fire from the CHP officer. His injuries were fatal.

Other officers evacuated victims and waited for SWAT. Long moved toward an office inside the bar where he fatally shot himself around 11:38 PM, 18 minutes after the attack began. He fired about 50 rounds during the attack.

Victim Actions and Heroism

Justin Meek, a 23-year-old security worker and former Cal Lutheran student, attempted to shield others and usher them out.

Sean Adler, 48, a security guard and wrestling coach, reportedly tried to confront the shooter and was killed.

Multiple survivors broke windows with chairs or barstools and escaped through them.

People used cell phones to call 911 while hiding in restrooms and behind the bar.

The massacre occurred only 13 months after the Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting, which several of the bar’s patrons had survived—including Telemachus Orfanos, who tragically died in this attack.

12 victims were murdered (not counting the shooter).

Sgt. Ron Helus, 54, Ventura County sheriff’s sergeant. Killed while confronting the shooter. Veteran officer, due to retire within the year

Alaina Housley, 18, Student at Pepperdine University. Niece of actress Tamera Mowry-Housley

Blake Dingman, 21, Passionate about off-roading and trucks. Known for his outgoing personality

Mark Meekins, 20, A student and athlete who played baseball

Kristina Morisette, 20, Worked as a cashier at the bar. Was near the front entrance when shot

Justin Meek, 23, Recent graduate of California Lutheran University. Trained in law enforcement, died trying to protect others

Sean Adler, 48, Security guard. Former wrestling coach and coffee shop owner. Died shielding patrons from gunfire

Cody Coffman, 22, Baseball umpire, set to join the military. Last words to his father: “I love you, dad.”

Daniel Manrique, 33, Marine Corps veteran. Member of Team RWB (a veterans nonprofit)

Jake Dunham, 21, Attending with childhood friend Blake Dingman. Both died together

Telemachus Orfanos, 27, Navy veteran. Survived the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, only to tragically die here

Noel Sparks, 21, Student at Moorpark College. Regular churchgoer, known for her kindness

At least 25 others were injured. Their injuries ranged from gunshot wounds to injuries sustained while fleeing or being trampled in the chaos. Some victims escaped by breaking windows and jumping from the second-story bar level.