Chilling 911 Calls Capture Tragic Moments in Orange County Bar Shooting
Newly released audio recordings of 911 calls shed light on the harrowing moments during the mass shooting at a popular bar in Orange County, California. The calls capture the desperate attempts of patrons to save their friends as gunfire echoes in the background.
The Orange County Fire Authority recently made public three 911 calls made on the night of August 23. John Snowling, a retired Ventura Police Officer, entered Cook’s Corner armed with multiple firearms and proceeded to shoot his wife, Marie Snowling, in the face. He then opened fire on eight other individuals, claiming the lives of three, before being fatally shot by Orange County sheriff’s deputies.
In the first call, the distressed caller reports a man who has been shot on his left side. While the caller is still on the line with the dispatcher, another call comes in from 911 dispatch, informing them that the shooter is still active in the bar.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, the dispatcher quickly responds, So this is an active shooter? All right, we’ll upgrade our response. Meanwhile, the sounds of the victim’s anguish can be heard in the background. The dispatcher guides the caller on how to help the wounded man, instructing them to cover the wound with a clean cloth or T-shirt.
Amidst the chaos, the caller recalls the shooter still firing, saying, He says he can’t breathe. The tension in the caller’s voice is palpable as they add, Hold on, the guy’s still shootin’.
In the final minute of the call, a series of gunshots can be heard, possibly marking the moment when deputies shot John Snowling. The last words from the caller are, The cops are here.
Orange County Undersheriff Jeff Hallock revealed that the entire incident, from the initial 911 call to Snowling’s encounter with law enforcement, unfolded within a matter of minutes. The recently released audio exposes the pandemonium that ensued as people sought help and attempted to provide aid to the victims.
The tragic incident at Cook’s Corner serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence. It has sent shockwaves through the local community and ignited debates surrounding mental health, firearm regulations, and the need for heightened security measures.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities are striving to comprehend the motives behind Snowling’s actions. The survivors, families of the victims, and the affected community are left grappling with grief and seeking solace amidst this heart-wrenching tragedy.
The released audio recordings stand as a testament to the bravery displayed by individuals who risked their lives to save others, and also highlight the urgency for prompt response and effective measures to prevent such horrific incidents in the future. The wounds inflicted on that fateful night will take time to heal, but the resilience and solidarity of the Orange County community will undoubtedly prevail.
