2015 San Bernardino attack facts for kids

On December 2, 2015, a terrible event happened at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California. A married couple, Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik, attacked a holiday party for employees of the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health.

They used guns in what is called a mass shooting, and they also tried to use bombs. Sadly, 14 people died, and 22 others were seriously hurt. Farook worked for the health department.

After the attack, the couple drove away in an SUV. About four hours later, police found them. There was a shootout, and both Farook and Malik were killed. Two police officers were also injured.

The FBI looked into the attack. They found that Farook and Malik were "homegrown violent extremists." This means they were inspired by ideas from terrorist groups in other countries, but they were not directly told what to do by those groups. They had become more extreme in their beliefs over several years. The couple had collected many weapons, bullets, and things to make bombs at their home.

A friend of Farook's, Enrique Marquez Jr., was investigated because he bought the two rifles used in the attack. He later admitted to helping with the attack plans and making false statements about buying the guns. Other people were also arrested for immigration fraud related to the case.

The Attack at Inland Regional Center

A – Building #2 B – Where injured people were treated C – School for the blind where some took shelter The Conference Center – Where the shooting happened.

The attack took place at the Inland Regional Center, a place that helps people with developmental disabilities. The shooting happened in a banquet room where about 80 county employees were having a training event and Christmas party.

After the Attack

Discussions About Gun Laws

After the San Bernardino attack, many people talked about gun control laws. President Barack Obama asked for "common sense" gun safety laws. He wanted stronger background checks for people buying guns. He also suggested that people on a special anti-terrorism list, called the No Fly List, should not be able to buy weapons.

However, some politicians disagreed. For example, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan thought that stopping people on the No Fly List from buying guns might go against their rights.

People in the California State Legislature also looked at new gun control ideas. Some new laws were approved by Governor Brown in July 2016 and started in 2017. These laws were opposed by some groups that support gun rights.

Remembering the Victims

On May 5, 2016, a group in San Bernardino County announced plans for a special memorial. This memorial would be a fountain and garden. It is meant to honor the people who died, those who were hurt, and the first responders who helped. These types of memorials can take several years to finish.

Learning from the Response

In September 2016, a report was released that looked at how law enforcement responded to the attack. This report helped police agencies learn how to improve their plans and actions for future events.

Anniversary Events

On the first anniversary of the attack, December 2, 2016, people held several events to remember what happened.

• A bicycle ride was held where people rode 14 miles, one mile for each person who died. This bike ride still happens every year.
• A moment of silence was held at the Inland Regional Center.
• A "Peace Garden" was opened at California State University, San Bernardino. It was dedicated to five of the victims who had gone to that university.

See also

In Spanish: Masacre de San Bernardino de 2015 para niños