San Bernardino bishop offers prayers in wake of mass shooting

San Bernardino, Calif., Dec 2, 2015 / 15:38 pm

Bishop Gerald R. Barnes of the Diocese of San Bernardino, Calif. requested prayers and offered his own after at least one gunman left more than a dozen dead at a social services facility in the city.

"Please join me in praying for all of the victims of this horrific incident and their families," he said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

"For those who lost their lives, we pray for their eternal rest and God's strength to their loved ones left behind; for those who are wounded, we pray for their health and healing."

Late Wednesday morning, at least one gunman opened fire on an event at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, a facility that serves people with developmental disabilities.

The San Bernardino police have confirmed that at least 14 people were killed and at least 14 were wounded in the attack.

Several reports say there may have been up to three gunmen involved in the attack. As of 2:30 p.m. PST, the shooter or shooters remained at large and no arrests have been made.

Police are searching for a black Yukon SUV that drove away from the shooting. FBI and ATF teams are on the scene.

In his statement, Bishop Barnes also offered prayers for the service men and women on the scene. "Let us also ask God to protect the brave men and women in law enforcement who are pursuing the suspects in this case."

"Our community of San Bernardino has faced great challenges through the years. Let us come together now in unity to bring light to the darkness of this day," he concluded.