Tweets tell of attack at YouTube HQ
Cops, workers fill in public
Here’s what people were saying on Twitter as the YouTube shooting unfolded in San Bruno, Calif., yesterday (all times PDT):
• YouTube employees began tweeting about the shooting from the onset. YouTube product manager Vadim Lavrusik tweeted that he heard shots and was barricaded in a room. He and his coworkers were soon evacuated by police authorities.
@Lavrusik: “Active shooter at YouTube HQ. Heard shots and saw people running while at my desk. Now barricaded inside a room with coworkers.” 12:57 p.m.
@Lavrusik: “Safe. Got evacuated it. Outside now.” 1:13 p.m.
After Lavrusik's tweets went viral, his Twitter account was briefly hacked. The hacked tweets were soon taken down.
• YouTube project manager Todd Sherman shared a similar ordeal on Twitter. At first, Sherman heard people running and then heard there was a person with a gun. He soon saw blood drips on the floor and stairs and was eventually met by police officers.
Todd Sherman @tdd: “We were sitting in a meeting and then we heard people running because it was rumbling the floor. First thought was earthquake.”
1:10 p.m.
Todd Sherman @tdd: “After existing the room we still didn't know what was going on but more people were running. Seemed serious and not like a drill.”
Todd Sherman @tdd: “We headed towards the exit and then saw more people and someone said that there was a person with a gun. (expletive).” 1:10 p.m.
Todd Sherman @tdd: “At that point every new person I saw was a potential shooter. Someone else said that the person shot out the back doors and then shot themselves.”
Todd Sherman @tdd: “I looked down and saw blood drips on the floor and stairs. Peaked around for threats and then we headed downstairs and out the front.” 1:10 p.m.
• San Bruno Police @SanBrunoPolice: “We are responding to an active shooter. Please stay away from Cherry Ave & Bay Hill Drive.” 1:28 p.m.
• Google, which owns YouTube, tweeted that it was working with local authorities and hospitals.
Google Communications @ Google_Comms: “We continue to actively coordinate with local authorities and hospitals. Our Security team has been working closely with authorities to evacuate the buildings and ensure the safety of employees in the area.” 2:31 p.m.
Google Communications @ Google_Comms: “We have advised those who are currently at the SBO office to continue to shelter in place until further notice.” 2:33 p.m.
Google Communications @ Google_Comms: “We advised all other employees in the Bay Area, and people with meetings scheduled, to stay away from the area, and that there is no need to take any action. We have provided employees a helpline.” 2:33 p.m.
• Due to the ongoing shooter situation, police briefly blocked Highway 280 near the YouTube headquarters.
Jon Passantino @passantino: “Police have blocked the 280 freeway near YouTube HQ where active shooter has been reported.” 1:52 p.m.
• Employees near YouTube's headquarters tweeted the situation from a distance — as their own buildings were in lockdown.
Erin @erinjeanc: “We are seeing @YouTube employees being brought out with hands up!” 1:09 p.m.