Five killed in California shooting rampage

A gunman, clad in black tactical gear and carrying an automatic rifle, killed four people in Santa Monica College in California, authorities said Saturday. Police later shot and killed the gunman.

Police earlier said six people were killed, but later revised the figure.

The shooter began his rampage Friday at a residence near the campus of Santa Monica College. He opened fire in a house, where police later found two bodies.

The man then shot at a passing car before carjacking another vehicle, CNN reported citing police spokesman Richard Lewis.

He forced the driver, a woman, to drive onto the college campus. There he shot two people in a passing vehicle. One died at the scene.

The gunman also fatally shot someone outside the campus library, where he engaged police in a gunfight, Lewis said. Officers fatally wounded him.

A number of students were in the library building, studying for finals when the gunman burst in. More than 30,000 students are enrolled in the two-year community college.

President Barack Obama was in Santa Monica for a fundraiser, just a 10-minute drive from the campus, according to CNN affiliate KCAL/KCBS.

Obama's schedule was not affected by the shooting or police follow-up.