3 dead, 6 injured in mass shooting at Southern California biker bar, authorities say

At least 3 people are dead and six others are injured after a shooter opened fire Wednesday night at a biker bar in Southern California, authorities said.

The shooting occurred around 7 p.m. at Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon, a small unincorporated community in eastern Orange County. The Orange County Sheriff's Department said four victims were confirmed dead at the scene, including the suspected shooter.

Six more people were transported to hospitals where five were reported to have sustained gunshot wounds. Two of the six injured were in critical condition, according to Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy.

In a news conference, Undersheriff Jeff Hallock said deputies responded to "multiple 911 calls of shots being fired" at the bar around 7:04 p.m. Shortly after, deputies confronted a "male subject" who was armed with a gun when a deputy-involved shooting occurred.

"At this point, the man believed to be involved in the shooting is deceased at the scene. At least one weapon has been recovered at the scene," Hallock said.

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The sheriff’s department posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that no deputies were injured in the shooting. Hallock added authorities were working to confirm if the suspect was retired law enforcement.

Partners from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also assisting with the investigation. Dozens of patrol cars and ambulances were seen in the area.

"Incident scene at Cooks Corner is static," the department posted just after 9 p.m.

Popular California biker bar

Cook's Corner is a popular bar among the biker community in Southern California. Many motorcycle riders and enthusiasts gather there during weeknights and the weekend for live music, open mic nights, or for a drink.

Hours before the shooting, several patrons had stopped by for a drink and meal. Rows of motorcycles and bikes were lined by the gravel entrance where plaques describe the storied history of the bar built in 1884.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he was monitoring the shooting "and coordinating with local officials as more details become available."

Latest mass shootings in the U.S.

Wednesday's shooting rampage is the latest in a series of mass shootings that has made 2023 one of the most violent on record.

The Gun Violence Archive says more than 460 mass shootings have taken place so far this year in the United States. Gun violence has taken the lives of more than 27,000 people in the United States in 2023, according to the group.

Contributing: John Bacon, USA TODAY; The Associated Press;