Governor cancels capitol Christmas tree ceremony in wake of shooting
California Gov. Jerry Brown canceled the state capitol's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony Wednesday night following a mass shooting in San Bernardino that left at least 14 people dead and 17 wounded.
"Out of respect for Californians affected by today's tragedy, this evening's annual Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be canceled," Brown said in a statement Wednesday.
Even without a ceremony, the Christmas tree was still illuminated at 5 p.m.. Brown said that capitol flags will be lowered to half-staff in honor of the victims and their families.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims' families and everyone affected by the brutal attack. California will spare no effort in bringing these killers to justice," Brown said.
Loma Linda University, six miles from San Bernardino, canceled its classes after a bomb threat was called into the university's medical center — where many of the injured victims from the shooting rampage were taken.
"Just as a precaution, classes were canceled and students were encouraged to leave public areas," said Briana Pastorino, the public information officer for the medical center and the university
Pastorino said authorities cleared the bomb threat at 3:30 p.m., but the university and medical center remain on "heightened alert."
Classes at California State University, San Bernardino were also canceled after 6 p.m. Wednesday.
"We are closing the campus as a precaution for students, faculty and staff," Joe Gutierrez, a university spokesman, said.
Gutierrez said university police would continue to work despite the closure.
"The plan is to re-open tomorrow, but that is all dependent on the situation," Gutierrez said.
The YMCA Children's Parade, scheduled for Saturday through San Bernardino, would proceed as planned, Judi Penman, president and CEO of the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce, said.
"It’s devastating what has happened here. I’m extremely saddened for the relatives and the people killed today and angry for the idiots who did this," Penman said. "But we’re still doing this. You cannot live in fear for the rest of your life.”