San Bernardino Attack - December 2, 2015

On December 2, 2015, a mass shooting occurred at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California. This tragic event resulted in the deaths of 14 people and injuries to 22 others. The attack was perpetrated by a married couple, Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik, and was later classified as an act of terrorism.

Background

The Inland Regional Center, a facility that provides services for individuals with developmental disabilities, was hosting a holiday party for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health employees. Syed Rizwan Farook, an employee of the department, attended the event before leaving and returning with his wife, Tashfeen Malik, armed with firearms.

The Attack

• Time and Location: The shooting began around 11:00 AM at the Inland Regional Center.
• Perpetrators: Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik were heavily armed with rifles and handguns. They also left behind explosive devices, which fortunately did not detonate.
• Casualties: 14 people were killed, and 22 others were injured, making it one of the deadliest mass shootings in the United States at the time.

Response and Aftermath

• Law Enforcement Response: A massive manhunt ensued, involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The suspects were located in their vehicle a few hours later, leading to a shootout with police in which both Farook and Malik were killed.
• Investigation: The FBI took over the investigation, quickly classifying the attack as an act of terrorism. It was discovered that Malik had pledged allegiance to ISIS on social media during the attack.
• Public Reaction: The attack prompted widespread condemnation and reignited debates over gun control, immigration, and counter-terrorism strategies in the United States.

Broader Significance

The San Bernardino attack highlighted the challenges of identifying and preventing domestic terrorism, particularly when it involves individuals who may not have direct ties to international terrorist organizations but are inspired by extremist ideologies. It also underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in responding to and investigating such incidents.

The event had a lasting impact on national security policies and discussions around the balance between civil liberties and the need for surveillance to prevent future attacks.