Friday, April 3, 2009

Gunman Strikes In Binghamton

(Guest posted by JFein from Fire Andy Reid Now!)

Seeing as JamesCraven is out today, I hope he won't mind if I post something on the tragedy today in Binghamton, New York. For those that have not heard of this story yet, basically a gunman open fired in an immigration center in Binghamton, New York, killing "tweleve to thirteen people" and taking several more hostage. The gunman has since been found dead in the building where the shooting occured. Here is more via
MSNBC.com

Twelve to 13 people were killed Friday when a gunman walked into an immigrant services center and opened fire, Gov. David Paterson said. A federal law enforcement official said the gunman was found dead in the building.

"I speak for all of New York when I offer my prayers for the victims and families of this tragedy," Paterson said hours after the gunman shot several people and took dozens hostage. The gunman first blocked the back door with his car, authorities said.

Two people were seen in handcuffs as they left the building, but NBC's Pete Williams said they were not suspects and that police were simply taking extra precautions as people left the building.

Police had identified the suspect as a 42-year-old man who lived in upstate New York, Williams reported.

Authorities scheduled a news conference for 4:30 p.m. ET.

At least 41 people were in the American Civic Association building at the time of the shooting and that citizenship classes had been scheduled Friday at the center, The Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin reported.

The gunman had a high-powered rifle, Mayor Matthew Ryan told the newspaper. Law enforcement sources later told NBC News that several weapons were recovered from the shooting scene.

The suspect was described as a man in his 20s between 5 feet, 8 inches, and 6 feet tall, wearing a bright green nylon jacket and dark-rimmed glasses.
All the best to the families who lost loved ones in this terrible, terrible tragedy.

3 comments:

  1. I just can't believe the type of people in the world who would do this sort of thing. Just tragic.

    All the best to families of the victims.

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  2. I guess JC picked the perfect night not to Live Blog Olberman.

    I wonder if they are at a bar together tonight?

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  3. It's amazing some of the people in this world. RIP to all those who lost their lives today in Binghamton.

    And obviously this is an isolated incident, but I've been in Binghamton once and it never really struck me as a place where something like this could happen. But then again, I guess it can happen anywhere at anytime.

    Possibly. Keith could very well be in Philly for opening weekend. I was supposed to fill in for JC tonight with the Olbermann live blog, but seeing as he does not live blog the guest hosts, I did not do it either.

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