Earlier today reports started to surface through media outlets on the presence of an ‘active shooter’ at YouTube’s office in San Bruno, California. Since the first reports came through, this has remained an ongoing situation with details slowly coming in. Now, however, firmer reports are starting to come through on the situation, its current status, and to some degree, what actually happened. Including a statement released by Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, explaining to Google employees what has transpired.
Most importantly, Pichai states the situation has now been “contained.” Although Pichai does not specifically go into detail on this, reports in general seem to be confirming the containment equates to the death of the shooter. In addition to what is currently understood to be a self-inflicted fatality, Pichai confirmed four Google employees were injured during today’s events with no details provided on the extent to those injuries. Pichai does qualify the number by stating it is “based on the latest information” and so it is possible the number may change, or the severity of the injuries may escalate as new information becomes available. In either case Pichai states Google, and its security team, along with local law enforcement, did look to evacuate everyone who was on site during the incident. With Pichai also explaining how Google is continuing to work with local authorities and hospitals, while also providing support to the injured employees and their families.
Pichai did not provide any context or details on the shooter or why the person specifically seemed to be targeting YouTube. Although this is understandable considering the finer details surrounding the shooter, and why this has happened remain unknown at the moment – in spite of a number of outlets speculating on the matter. As the details become clearer, and the investigation continues to understand this tragic event, firm details, and responses from those at Google and YouTube will likely come to light. In the meantime, those interested in reading the statement from Pichai, in full, can do so in the tweet below which was shared through the company’s Communications Twitter handle. Messages were also provided by Pichai and YouTube’s CEO, Susan Wojcicki, on their respectively Twitter accounts.
Here is the note that @sundarpichai just sent to Googlers worldwide. pic.twitter.com/bdC6KeTl9c
— Google Communications (@Google_Comms) April 3, 2018