Three people and the attacker killed at a fatal shooting at California's Veterans' home

Three people and their attacker have been killed during a hostage situation at a California's veterans' home. The facility in Yountville was the scene of an hours-long police standoff yesterday (March 9) after a man entered the building with a rifle. A police spokesman said officers discovered three dead women alongside the gunman shortly before 18:00 (California's time). The three women are understood to have been employees at the center. The identity of the gunman has not been released, and it is not yet known if he had any relationship to any of the victims. California Highway Patrol Assistant Chief Chris Childs stated that this is a tragic piece of news, one we were really hoping we wouldn't have to come before the public to give. Further, he stated that the local deputy who was first on the scene "put himself in harm's way... and exchanged initial gunfire with the suspect."

"We credit him with saving the lives of others in the area by eliminating the ability of the suspect to go out and find further victims." - Chief Chris Childs

The veterans' home is one of the largest in the United States, housing about 1,000 veterans who served in the US military in a number of conflicts as far back as World War Two. The veterans' home is situated in the Napa Valley wine region, north of San Francisco.