Shots fired in bar: Ex-policeman kills four people, several injured

Los Angeles (USA) - Police say four people have been killed in a bar shooting in the US state of California.

In the USA, police are investigating after shots were fired in a bar in Los Angeles. (symbolic image)
In the USA, police are investigating after shots were fired in a bar in Los Angeles. (symbolic image)  © 123rf.com/chalabala

The shooter was among the dead, police in Orange County announced late Wednesday evening (local time) on the X platform, formerly Twitter.

Six people were taken to hospital, at least five of whom had suffered gunshot wounds.

According to US media reports, the incident took place in a bar popular with motorcyclists in Trabuco Canyon, around 70 kilometers southeast of Los Angeles.

The suspected perpetrator was a former police officer, reported CNN, citing police sources.

The shooting was preceded by an argument between the shooter and his wife, it said. It was initially unclear whether the woman was also among the victims.

Gun violence is a major problem in the USA. Firearms are readily available in the country and are in circulation on a large scale. Major attacks of this kind - for example at schools, supermarkets, nightclubs or large events - regularly lead to discussions about tightening gun laws, but so far without success.