The citizens of Roseburg and Umpqua Community College are trying to sort out the details of a mass shooting as they deal with grief and shock. Today, this is what we know–ten people were killed and another seven injured after a 26-year-old gunman shot into a speech and writing classroom.
Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin said the gunman was shot and killed during an exchange of gunfire with officers at Umpqua Community College.
Law enforcement identify the gunman as a local Oregon man, Chris Mercer, according to published reports in USA Today. The official said Mercer was armed with up to four firearms, including one rifle. Investigators interviewed his mother to determine what caused his rampage. Authorities were also looking into whether Mercer, who is believed to have some connection to the school, specifically targeted victims, rather than engaging in random gunfire.
The attack is the fourth shooting at a U.S. college campus since August. President Obama said in reaction, “…the USA is the only advanced country on earth that sees these kinds of mass shootings every few months.”
Speaking from the White House, Obama said the gunman was clearly troubled, but “It cannot be this easy for somebody who wants to inflict harm on other people to get his or her hands on a gun.”
Obama vowed to continue pushing new gun policies that he said would prevent further mass shootings.
“Each time this happens, I’m going to bring this up,” he said.
