Gunman shoots dead four, including his three young children, inside a church in Sacramento

A California father who had a restraining order against him and was on a supervised visit with his kids at a church in Sacramento has shot dead four people including his three young children. 

The father who has yet to be named then turned the gun on himself at the church on the outskirts of the California state capital in the Arden Mall area of the city.

Sgt. Rod Grassman from the city’s police force also confirmed there was a fifth person killed, however it is unclear if that person was also a family member. 

The victims included  the father’s own children, all under 15 years of age, Grassman said. He did not know their genders. 

The incident started at around 5:10pm on Monday when officers were called to the ‘The Church in Sacramento’, reported ABC10. 

The shooting happened in the main room of the small church. Emergency services were alerted after an employee at the church who was upstairs heard gunshots and called 911. 

Law enforcement vehicles from several agencies block a street near the scene of a shooting 

Sgt. Rod Grassman from the city’s police force also confirmed there was a fifth person killed, however it is unclear if that person was also a family member

A huge police presence built up outside the church where the shooting took place 

The shooting took place at a church on the outskirts of the California state capital in the Arden Mall area of the city (pictured, file photo)

‘Another senseless act of gun violence in America – this time in our backyard. In a church with kids inside. Absolutely devastating,’ said California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement

Grassman said he didn’t know if the family members belonged to the the church, which sits on a mostly residential block near a commercial area east of downtown Sacramento, CBS13 television reported.

It wasn’t immediately known how many people were at the church or if there were any services or activities at the time of the shooting.  

So far, a possible motive for Monday’s shooting had not been explained but the sheriff’s office said it was a case of domestic violence. 

‘Another senseless act of gun violence in America – this time in our backyard. In a church with kids inside. Absolutely devastating,’ said California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement.

‘Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and their communities. We are working closely with local law enforcement. 

‘Our thoughts are with the community, parishioners, and all those impacted by this horrific event.’ 

Law enforcement were quickly on the scene but unfortunately unable to prevent the shooting

A large police presence could be seen gathered outside the church in the Arden-Arcade area 

Police vehicle could be seen positioned outside of the church early on Monday evening

As darkness fell, the emergency services and a SWAT team were still on site 

Law enforcement vehicles from several agencies block a street near the scene of the shooting

Alongside emergency services, a SWAT team were also called as officers tried to secure the scene reported ABC10.

Video images from the scene showed a heavy police presence outside the church in the Arden-Arcade area outside the city limits. 

‘Please be aware and on the look out. Local law enforcement are responding to a mass casualty shooting event in the county at a church on 2041 Wyda way,’ Sacramento Mayor Pro Tem Eric Guerra said on Twitter. ‘Please be alert while in the area as local law enforcement responds.’ 

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department told the public to avoid the area because of the large police presence, and said it was establishing a command post in the area.

A Sacramento Police officer stands behind police tape blocking the street near the church

Police tape blocks the street near the scene of the shooting in Sacramento on Monday

Police tape can be seen stretched across the street close to where the shooting occurred

Police were called to the scene from 5:30pm after an emergency call was placed

Police officers stand near the scene of a shooting at a church in Sacramento, California

Police officers escort people following the shooting

Nearby resident were escorted to their homes by police