Airbnb has announced that it will ban "party houses" after five people died from a mass shooting at a house in California rented through the company.
Airbnb chief executive officer (CEO) Brian Chesky wrote in a tweet that the company would make initiatives to "combat unauthorized parties and get rid of abusive host and guest conduct" following the shooting incident that left five people dead in California.
Chesky added: "We must do better, and we will. This is unacceptable."
Three of the victims from the shooting died at the house in Orinda, while the remaining two died later in the hospital.
According to Airbnb, the house was initially booked to be used by a mall group of people. However, it was later posted on Instagram to be the venue of a Halloween party that was attended by over 100 people. The property's host did not authorize the party.
All of the victims who died from the shooting were below 30 years old. According to police officers, they discovered two guns in the house but have not arrested or identified any suspects from the shooting.
Chesky claimed that the company would establish a dedicated "party house" rapid response team and expand its manual screening process for high-risk reservations, as well as take action against policy violators.
He also wrote on Twitter about the mass shooting on Friday, saying: "What happened on Thursday night in Orinda, CA was horrible. I feel for the families and neighbors impacted by this tragedy - we are working to support them."
California Governor Gavin Newsom has called on Congress to pass gun control legislation in response to the mass shooting. Newsom argued: "This will barely make the news today. That's how numb we have become to this. Our hearts are aching for the victims and all those affected by this horrific tragedy."
