Thrree hostages and a gunman were found dead at the Yountville Vetrerans Home of California on Saturday, authorities said. The standoff that lasted more than eight hours came to an end after law enforcement officers from state and federal agencies marched into the building.
The accused walked in with his rifle when the employees had organised a farewell party for couple of staff who were leaving Pathway Home, the largest facility in the United States for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. He let some of the employees leave the building, while held three female employees hostage.
“It’s far too early to say if they were chosen at random,” California Highway Patrol Assistant Chief Chris Childs said, according to AP.
Napa County Sheriff John Robertson said authorities know who the gunman is, but did not want to disclose his identity. Earlier on Friday, State Senator Bill Dodd, who represents the area, said the gunman was a member of the Pathway Home.
The authorities have also refused to reveal the identity of the victims, saying their family members were still to be notified.
The veterans’ home houses around 1,000 disabled and aging military veterans, Reuters reported.
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