LOS ANGELES: California's Muslim community expressed its horror on Wednesday at the mass shooting that killed at least 14 in San Bernardino, after a local man named Syed Farook was widely identified as a suspect.

Farook, a US citizen who worked for the town's health department, is believed to have been killed in a shootout with police hours after opening fire inside a Christmas party at a local social services centre.

Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the Los Angeles chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), said its members “unequivocally condemn the horrific act that happened today."

“The Muslim community stands shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Americans in repudiating any twisted mindset that would claim to justify such sickening acts of violence,” he added in a statement.

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Authorities have drawn no connection between the attack and radical Islam at this stage in the investigation.

Farook's brother-in-law, Farhan Khan, came forward at the press conference to voice his shock at the notion his brother-in-law could have committed mass murder.

“I have no idea why he would do that,” a visibly shaken Khan told reporters, adding that he had last spoken with Farook about a week ago.

“I am in shock that something like this could happen,” said Khan, who is married to Farook's sister. “I am very sad that people lost their lives."

Muzammil Siddiqi, the religious director of the Islamic Society of Orange County, also condemned the killings saying they were contrary to the teachings of Islam.

“We have condemned all violence everywhere because human life is precious," he said. “And we respect and honor human life."

According to local news reports Farook was employed by the San Bernardino County health department which is believed to have organised the party at the Inland Regional Center.

The attack on the party triggered a massive manhunt that ended when police shot dead two heavily armed suspects — a man, believed to be Farook, and a woman — on a quiet residential street.