14 DAY TRIAL // This past Thursday, October 1, a gunman opened fire on the campus of the Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon.
He started shooting in a classroom. By the time law enforcement officers were alerted and arrived at the scene, he had already killed 10 people and injured another 7.
“At this time we are reporting 10 deaths and 7 who were injured,” Douglas County Sheriff's Office writes in a Facebook post.
“We know there are conflicting reports about the numbers, and I can tell you this is the best information we have at this time,” it adds.
Of the people who were injured in the shooting, some were taken to the local Mercy Medical Center in Roseburg. Those in critical condition were flown to other hospitals.
The gunman was shot by the police
Reports identify the shooter as Chris Harper-Mercer, a 26-year-old man living in an apartment complex close to the Umpqua Community College campus together with his mother.
According to DM, he wanted to join the US Army but was dismissed in 2008 after just 5 weeks of training at For Jackson for failing to meet the minimum administrative standards to serve.
It is understood that, having searched his apartment following the shooting, the police found a total of 7 weapons. Another 6 were recovered from the Umpqua Community College, all bought legally.
When he opened fire on campus, Chris Harper-Mercer reportedly had an assault rifle and 5 pistols with him. Law enforcement officers say he also carried spare ammunition.
When news of the shooting first got out, it was said that the gunman had been captured and was in police custody. We now know that he is in fact dead, shot by officers on campus.
“Responding officers encountered the suspect and exchanged gunfire. The male shooter is released,” Douglas County Sheriff's Office writes in a statement.
In an interview, 26-year-old Chris Harper-Mercer's father, Ian Mercer, said he had no idea his son was in any way troubled. The shooting was a shock for him and the rest of the family.
“I've just been talking to the police and the FBI and all the details I have right now is what you guys have already,” Ian Mercer told the press, as cited by The Guardian.
“I can't answer any questions right now. I don't want to answer any questions right now. It's been a devastating day, devastating for me and my family. Shocked is all I can say,” he added.
Chris Harper-Mercer was targeting Christians
Since authorities are still investigating the incident, details are scarce. In fact, authorities have so far refused to make any comments on why 26-year-old Chris Harper-Mercer opened fire on the Umpqua Community College campus.
Witness reports, however, suggest the gunman was targeting Christians. Thus, survivors say that, before shooting, he made his victims stand up and declare their religion.
“Good, because you're a Christian, you're going to see God in just about one second,” he would then tell them right before shooting them, the people who survived the attack say.
As noted, authorities haven't yet made any comments on why Chris Harper-Mercer did what he did. Rather, they say they want to focus on the victims and the survivors first.
“Thoughts and prayers are not enough,” Obama says
In a statement on this latest mass shooting in the US, President Barack Obama admitted to feeling powerless to make sure such a tragedy doesn't happen again.
In his speech, available in full below, the President asked people to pressure local politicians into toughening gun laws. He said he couldn't prevent such unfortunate events all by himself and that it was up to voters to force a change.
“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, 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,” his exact words were.
