Memorials Continue To Grow For San Bernardino Shooting Victims
SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.com) — Federal law enforcement officials continued to investigate the motive behind a shooting massacre Monday that claimed the lives of 14 people and injured nearly two dozen others in San Bernardino.
At 7:30 a.m., county officials held a news conference to discuss support options for families of the victims who were killed and injured during the shooting attack.
HOW TO HELP
Arrowhead United Way and the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors have set up a relief fund. To make a donation, send a text message stating "SBUNITED" to 71777. Checks may be made payable to SBUNITED and mailed to Arrowhead United Way, 646 North D St., San Bernardino, CA 92401.
"We want to thank the first responders, law enforcement family, fire and the federal agencies for coming together in a unified approach that has helped San Bernardino County continue to move forward," said James Ramos, San Bernardino County Supervisor. "We're also asking for your continued prayers for the families and the victims."
During a news conference at noon, federal officials explained the guns that were used in the shooting were purchased between 2007 and 2012 from retailers in California.
Authorities said all county employees will return to work today with the exception of environmental health workers.
Security will be increased at all county facilities.
A custody hearing was held for the Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik's 6-month-old baby girl. It has been five days since Farook and Malik left their daughter in the care of Farook's mother before carrying out the deadly attack.
Since the shooting massacre, the baby has been in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services. It remains unclear if Farook's family has been granted permission to file for her adoption.
On Sunday, CBS News confirmed the man believed to have bought the assault weapons used in the mass killing, Enrique Marquez, checked into a psychiatric hospital. The FBI explained they want to question that man.
The guns were then allegedly reconfigured to be more powerful after buying them legally in California.
Law enforcement officials are reviewing video from gun-store owners and are expected to defer to the U.S. Attorney's office for further action.
President Obama addressed the nation from the Oval office on Sunday evening to clarify steps being taken to keep the country safe.
During his speech, he described the shooting massacre as an act of terrorism "designed to kill innocent people."
"It is entirely possible that these two attackers were radicalized to commit this act of terror," Obama said. " And if so, it would underscore a threat we've been focused on for years -- the danger of people succumbing to violent extremist ideologies. The threat from terrorism is real, but we will overcome it. We will prevail by being strong and smart, resilient and relentless."
Obama asked Americans to not turn on their neighbors and for Congress to change some laws regarding purchasing guns and restricting access to assault weapons.
COMPLETE COVERAGE: San Bernardino Shooting
According to the FBI, Farook, 28, and Malik, 27, carried out Wednesday morning's deadly shooting at the Inland Regional Center, located in the 1300 block of South Waterman Avenue. The married couple appeared to have been supporters or advocates of terrorist groups in the Middle East.
Farook and Malik carried in legally purchased semiautomatic weapons, along with handguns, and opened fire upon workers while the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health was holding a holiday banquet within the conference room of the building.
Fourteen people were killed and 22 others were injured in the attack.
The Coroner's Office has identified all of the deceased victims.
GALLERY: Victims Killed In Shooting Massacre
Following the shooting massacre, a tip led authorities to a home -- believed to be linked to Farook's mother -- located on Center Street in the city of Redlands.
Farook and Malik, who were dressed in tactical clothing, were fatally shot during a standoff with city officials.
Two assault weapons, AR15 style rifles, and two pistols were located inside the SUV along with more than 1,000 caliber rounds.
On Friday, Asst. FBI Regional Director David Bowdich explained federal officials are investigating this case as an act of terrorism.
During a search of the Redlands home, authorities located a large arsenal of explosive devices made from Christmas tree lights and radio-controlled toys, thousands of bullets and other materials used to make bombs. Digital evidence, including thumb drives, were also recovered at the scene.
A preliminary investigation has revealed Farook attended a meeting at the Inland Regional Center before he left abruptly and returned with Malik. Gunshots then rang out in the conference room.
The couple came into the U.S. in July 2014. Farook and Malik later married and had a 6-month-old baby girl.
Pakistani-born Malik, who entered the U.S. on a K-1 visa, is believed to have pledged her allegiance to the ISIS leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi in a Facebook post around the same time the attack was launched, according to CBS News.
While Farook has not been found on any terror watch lists, he is believed to have been possibly radicalized prior to committing the senseless and violent acts. He was reportedly in contact with people overseas who may be linked to terrorism.
Intelligence sources explained Farook, who was an American citizen employed as an inspector for the San Bernardino County Environmental Health Department, had traveled to Saudi Arabia to apparently attend the Hajj pilgrimage. The pair were reportedly looking at ISIS propaganda online.
Farook's father reported his son was fixated on Israel and supported the Islamic State, according to an Italian newspaper report.
Officials continue to stress that there is no credible threat of danger to the community at this time.
The FBI has established a national hotline for the public to report any suspicious activity. Please call (800) 225-5324 and select option four.
