Borderline Bar and Grill, site of deadly 2018 mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, could face demolition

Friday, January 22, 2021
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (KABC) -- For devoted fans of the Borderline Bar & Grill, dancing always brings out the smiles and helps heal the pain of a devastating tragedy.

"Music is everything for us," said Fran Adler, a relative of one of the victims of the mass shooting that occurred at the location more than two years ago. "I found, at least in the last year, music has gotten me through the day."

On Nov. 7, 2018, a gunman walked into the packed bar and opened fire, killing 12 people.

The popular nightspot has been shut down since the incident. Cowboy boots, photos and other items left at a makeshift memorial still honor the victims.

The owner of the establishment recently said his lease was up and the landlord may be planning to the demolish the building.

Newly released video sheds light on timeline of Thousand Oaks mass shooting
Newly released video sheds light on timeline of Thousand Oaks mass shooting

Nevertheless, said Wade Van Petten, a Borderline fan: "Everyone will stay in touch, everyone will be part of the Borderline family, part of 'Borderline strong.'"

Hundreds of people turned out to dance in a parking lot Thursday evening for what may have been one last time, outside the Borderline's longtime home.

Those who comforted each other and grew closer while mourning the deaths say they will always be a family.

"I just want to remind everyone that it's not the physical building," said Laura Lynn Meek, a relative of one of the victims, "it's the people within the building that makes our Borderline family."

Borderline shooting timeline: How the tragedy unfolded

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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