9 Shot, 4 Killed, Including Gunman, in California Bar Shooting

A shooting at a Southern California bar left four dead—including the gunman, who is a former police officer—and six others injured Aug. 23 evening.

Police and emergency vehicles are seen after a shooting at "Cook's Corner" bar in Trabuco Canyon, Calif., on Aug. 23, 2023. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

TRABUCO CANYON, Calif.—Four people were killed, and six others were injured Aug. 23 evening in a shooting at a historical biker bar in Orange County, and the gunman—a retired police officer—was among the dead, authorities said.

The sheriff’s department confirmed Thursday morning that the 59-year-old suspect, identified as John Snowling, used to serve the Ventura Police Department (VPD). He retired as a sergeant in 2014, according to Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer’s office.