Five dead, including three children following Sacramento church shooting: police

Five people are dead, including three children, following a shooting at a church near Sacramento, Calif., on Monday afternoon.

Sgt. Rod Grassman, a spokesman for the Sacramento Sheriff's Office, confirmed the deaths during a press conference after the shooting.

The shooter killed his three children, all under the age of 15, before taking his own life, police stated.

"He turned the gun on himself," Grassman said, adding that it appears to be a domestic violence incident.

A fifth person was also found deceased at the Arden-Arcade area church, but it is unclear whether the victim is related to the family.

Police were called to the scene shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday by the church pastor, who reported hearing gunshots, officials state. The shooting appeared to have occurred both in the main sanctuary and in the office.

A large police presence, including helicopters, rushed to the scene, which was first treated as an active shooter situation.

The Sacramento Sheriff's office is requesting civilians to avoid the area near the shooting.

The names of the victims have not been released and police have yet to give the shooter's motive.