Authorities are looking at a possible militant connection following a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California that killed 14 people and wounded 21 others on Wednesday.

The perpetrators had opened fire at an office holiday party of the Inland Regional Center, making it the 355th mass shooting in the U.S. this year. 

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The police identified the suspects as 28-year old Syed Rizwan Farook, an environmental specialist, and his 27-year old wife Tashfeen Malik, both Americans. Farook was an inspector for San Bernardino County, the health department where the party was held. The couple died in a shootout with law enforcements hours later.

Another suspect, who was seen fleeing from the scene, was arrested by authorities but later released after determining that he was not part of the attack.

San Bernardino city officials said Thursday that significant evidence was seized from a home in Redlands City that is believed to belong to the mother of the shooter. 

Police Chief Jarrod Burguan told the press that Farook left the party "described as angry". At around 11 a.m., Farook returned with his wife Malik wearing tactical gear, carrying rifles, semi-automatic handguns and ammunition.

The couple reportedly fired 65 to 75 rounds at the attendees, resulting in the death of 14 people and causing injuries to 21 others.

Authorities failed to intercept the shooters in their home address and had to chase the couple back to San Bernardino.

Farook fired at the pursuing police from their vehicle while Malik drove. The twenty-three officers who chased the couple returned fire, killing Farook and Malik on the scene.

One of the responding officers was wounded in the leg from possible shrapnel cut, according to a police statement. He is expected to be released from hospital immediately.

While the incident is currently attributed to an apparent workplace quarrel, police are exploring possible links to terrorism due to the firepower and planning that was apparent in the attack.

"They came prepared to do what they did as if they were on a mission," the police chief said. "They were dressed and equipped in a way that indicated they were prepared."

Police said they recovered two assault-style rifles, two semi-automatic handguns and 1,600 rounds of ammunition from the shooters' SUV. Another 4,500 rounds, 12 pipe bombs and bomb-making equipment were later found in the suspects' home.

The Washington Post reports that prior to the San Bernardino mass shooting, Farook was never under FBI investigation.

TagsSan Bernardino County, california, mass shooting, Shooting rampage in california, California Shooting