26-Year-Old Gunman At Umpqua Community College in Oregon Reportedly Kills Nine In A Horrific Mass Shooting, Seven Injured
A 26-year-old gunman opened fire at Umpqua Community College in Oregon on Thursday morning allegedly killing nine victims and injuring seven others.
BBC News reported on Friday the gunman was identified as Chris Harper Mercer and was also killed that same day in a shootout with police officers. Mercer's intention for the mass shooting is still unknown, but according to investigations, he issued a warning of the shooting via social media.
The gunman was found wearing a body armor and was equipped with a large amount of ammunition, seemingly prepared for a long shootout. Authorities commended the quick response of law enforcers at Oregon, which prevented the death toll from climbing, noted CNN on Friday.
Investigations revealed that the shooting started from one building and continued until the school's science building. Most of the injured and killed victims were found to be in at least two classrooms.
"We arrived to find multiple patients in multiple classrooms," said Douglas County Fire Marshal Ray Shoufler. "Law enforcement was on scene and had the shooter neutralized."
The victims of the mass shooting were immediately brought to the Mercy Medical Center and Peace Health Sacred Heart Medical Center where the extent of the injuries are still unknown. Those who were able to escape safely were brought to a local fairground where they were able to reunite with friends and families.
According to law enforcers, one rifle and three pistols were found at the Oregon community college, which they believed to be owned by the gunman.
On Thursday, the New York Times noted President Barack Obama's outrage on yet another mass shooting in the country.
"So tonight, as those of us who are lucky enough to hug our kids a little closer are thinking about the families who aren't so fortunate," said Obama in a press briefing room, who appears to be shaken trying to conceal his anger. "I'd ask the American people to think about how they can get our government to change these laws, and to save these lives and let these people grow up."
"And I would particularly ask America's gun owners who are using those guns properly, safely to hunt for sport, for protecting their families, to think about whether your views are being properly represented by the organization that suggests it is speaking for you," the president added.
