The Los Angeles Rams and their players are "heartbroken" over a mass shooting at a bar that killed 12 people Wednesday night in Thousand Oaks, California.
The shooting took place just miles from the Rams' practice facility at California Lutheran University and the team's offices in Agoura Hills. Many of the team's players and staff also reside in the area.
"The Los Angeles Rams organization is heartbroken by the horrific shooting that took place last night in our community of Thousand Oaks," said a statement issued by the team Thursday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and our entire community."
Rams COO Kevin Demoff told NFL Network that the team will try to help the community in the aftermath.
"It is sort of surreal to be standing here on a [California Lutheran University] campus that's closed today because of the incident," Demoff said. "But we're trying to figure out how we can help. Right now there's a blood drive at a local high school, local hotel ... how we can contribute to that.
"... We're going to start there, and really work though the next few days with the community, with the sheriff's department, with the victims. What's the appropriate response and how we can lead in an inspiring way."
Demoff said the team was already discussing how to honor the victims "in the right way" prior to Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Los Angeles Chargers echoed a lot of the same sentiments as the Rams did.
"We are deeply saddened by the terrible news coming out of Thousand Oaks this morning," said a statement issued by the Chargers. "Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones during this horrific tragedy, and we honor the brave and heroic actions of first responders who rushed to the scene to help."
Heartbroken for our community. Thinking about everyone involved as well as friends and family of the victims. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers
— Jared Goff (@JaredGoff16) November 8, 2018
Heartbroken. Thoughts and prayers are with the people of this community, and those that have lost loved ones.
— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) November 8, 2018
Father bless the families and friends that are affected by this tragedy. It deeply saddens me to see innocent lives taken from such a senseless act!
— Brandin Cooks (@brandincooks) November 8, 2018
Heart broken this morning! I'm just sorry to those affected. I don't have words that I feel can help. But I promise to find a way to help support our community through this tragedy!
— Andrew Whitworth (@awhitworth77) November 8, 2018
🙏🏼!
Praying comfort and healing to those affected by this senseless shooting. Thank you to the first responders who put their lives on the line to protect and serve us every day.
— Johnny Hekker (@JHekker) November 8, 2018
Thousand Oaks is my home; I will do everything in my power to help those in need of support.
Waking up to evil & hate sucks! Praying for the families effected by the shooting in Thousand Oaks this morning.
— Cardale Jones (@Cardale7_) November 8, 2018
One of the 12 victims of the shooting was identified as Ventura County sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus, who arrived at the Borderline Bar and Grill at 11:20 p.m. in response to several 911 calls, heard gunfire, went inside and immediately was shot repeatedly.
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich, who was born in Thousand Oaks and attended Westlake High School, offered prayers and support for his hometown.
Heartbreaking whenever tragedies like this occur and especially when they are in your own hometown. Thousand Oaks is a tremendous community and will support those who need it the most at this time. Prayers are with the Victims and their families, including SGT Ron Helus of VCPD.
— Christian Yelich (@ChristianYelich) November 8, 2018
Other sports teams and figures from the Los Angeles area, including Lakers star LeBron James, took to social media to grieve for the victims of the shooting.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims, families and those affected by the terrible tragedy last night in Thousand Oaks, CA.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 8, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones last night in Thousand Oaks, CA!!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💯 #LoveIsStrongerThanHate💪🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 8, 2018
Our thoughts are with the victims and families affected by the tragic shooting in Thousand Oaks last night.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 8, 2018
The entire LA Kings organization is deeply shaken by this senseless and horrific act on one of our local communities. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We wish all the people of Thousands Oaks strength and peace and we share in their sadness and grief.
— LA Kings (@LAKings) November 8, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by last night's tragedy in Thousand Oaks. We offer our sympathy to all of the victims, families, first responders, and members of the surrounding community.
— Angels (@Angels) November 8, 2018
Thousand Oaks, California has always been a special place for the #DallasCowboys organization. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families affected by this tragic event. https://t.co/iB2d5gDQgP
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 8, 2018
The Associated Press contributed to this report.