The Enduring Legacy Of Tamera Mowry's Niece: 5 Things You Didn't Know About The Borderline Shooting Tragedy

The tragedy that struck the Housley family on November 7, 2018, remains a painful, yet defining, moment in the public conversation about gun violence and loss. The news that Tamera Mowry-Housley's vibrant, 18-year-old niece, Alaina Housley, was one of the victims of the horrific Borderline Bar & Grill mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California, sent shockwaves across the nation. As of December 12, 2025, the family has channeled their unimaginable grief into a powerful, enduring legacy, ensuring Alaina’s voice and spirit continue to inspire change and support. This article delves into the full scope of the tragedy, the life of the young woman lost, and the lasting impact her family is creating in her honor.

The Borderline shooting, which claimed the lives of 12 innocent people, including a Ventura County Sheriff's Sergeant, was a devastating event that targeted a popular college night venue. For Tamera and her husband, Adam Housley, the former Fox News correspondent, the loss of their niece, Alaina, became a deeply personal crusade to keep her memory alive and to advocate for a safer future.

Alaina Maria Housley: A Life Profiled

The loss of Alaina Housley was a loss of immense potential. Her life, though tragically cut short at just 18, was marked by a bright spirit and a passion for helping others. The following biography compiles the key details of her life:

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• Full Name: Alaina Maria Housley
• Date of Birth: 2000
• Hometown: Vallejo, Solano, California
• Education: Freshman at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. She was a Seaver College student.
• Career Aspirations: She had plans to study law.
• Family Connection: Niece of actress and television host Tamera Mowry-Housley and journalist Adam Housley.
• Circumstance of Death: Killed on November 7, 2018, during the Borderline Bar & Grill mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California.
• Personal Interests & Volunteering: Alaina was known for her kind and giving nature. She coached children and volunteered to serve veterans in her community.

The Borderline Bar & Grill Tragedy: The Night of November 7, 2018

The Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks was a well-known local spot, particularly popular for its "College Night" events, drawing students from nearby universities like Pepperdine, Cal Lutheran, and Moorpark College. On the night of the shooting, Alaina Housley was enjoying an evening out with friends—a typical activity for an 18-year-old college freshman.

Chronology of Terror

The attack began around 11:20 p.m. when the gunman, 28-year-old Ian David Long, a Marine Corps veteran, entered the bar. Long, armed with a legally purchased .45-caliber Glock 21 pistol and extended magazines, immediately opened fire.

The chaos was immediate and absolute. Many patrons, familiar with the venue from frequent visits, acted quickly, using their knowledge of the building to help others escape through windows and emergency exits. However, 12 people, including Alaina Housley and Ventura County Sheriff's Sergeant Ron Helus, who was the first officer on the scene, were killed.

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The shooter, Ian David Long, was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The massacre was determined to be a targeted act against the "Borderline 12" and the community they represented.

The Shooter's Disturbing Motive

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the investigation sought to determine the motive of the shooter. A comprehensive report found that Ian David Long likely targeted the establishment out of a deep-seated "disdain and disgust for civilians," specifically college students. Long, who had a history of mental health issues and previous police contact, appeared to choose the Borderline Bar & Grill because he knew it would be filled with the young people he resented. This finding added a chilling layer to the senseless violence that occurred that night.

The Family’s Heartbreak and Public Statement

The hours following the shooting were agonizing for Tamera Mowry-Housley and Adam Housley. As news of the shooting broke, they frantically searched for Alaina, with Adam Housley even trying to enter the hospital where victims were being treated.

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The couple confirmed the devastating news in a joint statement, which was released the following morning. Their words conveyed the depth of their loss and immediately brought national attention to Alaina's story.

"Our hearts are broken," the statement began. "We just learned that our niece Alaina was one of the victims of last night's shooting at Borderline bar in Thousand Oaks. Alaina was an incredible young woman with so much life ahead of her and we are devastated that her life was cut short in this senseless act."

Tamera Mowry-Housley, known for her roles in 'Sister, Sister' and as a host on 'The Real', also posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, expressing the immense void left by her niece. The family’s public display of grief resonated with many, transforming a national tragedy into a deeply personal one for millions of their fans and followers.

Alaina’s Voice: The Powerful Legacy of the Housley Family

In the years since the 2018 tragedy, the Housley family has worked tirelessly to ensure Alaina's memory is not defined solely by the manner of her death, but by the strength and purpose of her life. This commitment has resulted in two major initiatives that represent the current, most impactful update on the "Tamera Mowry niece shooting" story.

1. Alaina's Voice Foundation

Alaina's father, Arik Housley, established Alaina's Voice Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to promote safety, communication, and emotional wellness for teens and young adults. The foundation focuses on proactive measures to help prevent future tragedies, echoing the family's desire to turn pain into positive action.

The foundation’s core belief is that Alaina will "live forever in our hearts," and their work is a testament to her spirit. They engage in community outreach, advocacy, and programs designed to foster empathy and open dialogue among young people.

2. The Pepperdine Memorial Scholarship Fund

Pepperdine University, where Alaina was a freshman, honored her memory by establishing the Alaina Housley Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund. This fund, launched with significant seed funding, creates an enduring legacy by supporting future students.

The scholarship ensures that Alaina’s connection to the university and her aspirations to study law continue to benefit others. It is a tangible way for the community to remember the promising young life that was lost, reinforcing the idea that "that is Alaina's legacy."

Today, the Borderline Bar & Grill location stands as a permanent memorial, a site of remembrance for the 12 lives lost, often referred to as the "Borderline 12." The fifth-year anniversary of the tragedy, in November 2023, saw families and survivors gather for a memorial remembrance, proving that the pain of the event and the memory of the victims, including Alaina Housley, remain deeply etched in the community's heart.