The suspected gunman found dead along with three hostages at the Veterans Home of California has been identified as a former patient at the facility in the Napa County town of Yountville.
ABC7 reports that Albert Wong, 36, was a military veteran armed with a rifle who is believed to have turned the gun on himself.
According to Heavy, he had been treated there for PTSD, but was asked to leave the program several weeks ago.
“There was a going-away party for a couple of the staff who were leaving today,” said Larry Kamer to the Washington Post. “Today was their last day. They were having cake and toasting, and apparently he just walked in with this rifle.” Kamer said his wife, an employee for The Pathway Home, was at the event and held captive, before being allowed to leave with some of the others.
Christine Loeber, 48; was among those killed in the incident. She was executive director of The Pathway Home, the non-profit works to help veterans transition to civilian life. Jennifer Golick, 42; a clinical director at the VA and Jennifer Gonzales, 29, a VA clinical psychologist were also killed.
Wong was a decorated veteran awarded four medals who fought in Afghanistan for one year. He also had a security guard permit, according to KCRA.
The #Yountville gunman has been identified as Albert Wong of Sacramento. Records indicate he had both a security guard permit, and two firearms permits.
— Tom Miller (@KCRAMiller) March 10, 2018
He was found dead along with the three hostages after a seven hour standoff.
It is not known if Wong targeted his victims or chose them randomly, but one of the victims, Golick, had ordered his removal from the hospital, according to her father-in-law, reported Oregon Live.
The Napa Valley Register reports Wong arrived wearing body armor.
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