Eight killed in mall shooting: “I’m going out in style,” shooter wrote; Update: Suspect ID’d
posted at 5:49 pm on December 5, 2007 by Allahpundit
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We should probably open a thread, although the mystery here is already well on its way to being solved.
Police don’t believe that anyone other than the gunman who killed himself was involved…
Channel 6 News has confirmed that a 19-year-old Sarpy County man left a suicide note this afternoon stating, “I’m going out in style.”
That man’s vehicle was found in the mall parking lot.
Fox News says the cops took a second person, who was wearing cammies and hiding under a bus bench outside the mall, into custody too and hints in passing that the shooter might have worked for the Von Maur department store. That’s where most of the bodies were found, probably not coincidentally.
MM notes that a grenade was found at the same mall last week. One other odd note: Cops think the shooter used a rifle but some witnesses report hearing lots of shots in rapid succession. Stay tuned.
Update: A bit more.
Witnesses said the gunman fired down on shoppers from a third-floor balcony of the Von Maur store.
The gunman was found dead on the third floor with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and his victims were discovered on the second and third floors, police said.
Update: Robert A. Hawkins. Antidepressants.
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Why can’t some of these suicidal idiots not drag others down with them “in style”. F***ing narcissist.
mram on December 5, 2007 at 5:55 PM
Why do they always feel so compelled to say that before they even know?
Oh, I remember.
MB4 on December 5, 2007 at 5:57 PM
I don’t think he’ll get any credit for “style points” in the place he resides now…
packsoldier on December 5, 2007 at 5:58 PM
Why would that be a contradiction?
And the cops haven’t even found the weapon(s) yet, but are so sure that only one man was involved?
MB4 on December 5, 2007 at 6:01 PM
No Pack, the devil down there might get style points in how he treats these shooters.
My condolences to the families and the community, this is a horrible day
Defector01 on December 5, 2007 at 6:01 PM
They havent found the weapon? I thought they said the shooter killed himself. Wouldnt the gun be right next to his body?
offroadaz on December 5, 2007 at 6:03 PM
Any number of rifles could fire shots in rapid succession – semi-auto or otherwise. For example, I have a very common Ruger .22 rifle with a 10 shot magazine. Shoot as fast as you can pull the trigger, and reload in about 1-2 seconds.
peski on December 5, 2007 at 6:05 PM
What a terrible shame. At least by killing himself he saved the taxpayers from having to keep him fed and clothed. Why do these idiots always kill themselves after they have murdered; commit suicide first.
bopbottle on December 5, 2007 at 6:06 PM
One would think so, but
so there seems to be some confusion.
MB4 on December 5, 2007 at 6:07 PM
The drawback to 24/7/365 news-cycles and instant internet updates: Officials are no longer willing to tell the press, etc. to back off, let them do their jobs, and they’ll let them know when some solid facts are assembled and confirmed. Otherwise, it’s a press-release version of opening your mouth before you think of what you’re going to say.
Frozen Tex on December 5, 2007 at 6:08 PM
I read that a rifle near the shooter had been recovered.
bopbottle on December 5, 2007 at 6:09 PM
It’s a sinful impulse, I know, but sometimes I’d really like to see these guys when they arrive at their new residence and realize what they’ve done to themselves.
And then I say a prayer for all those in pain and towards scrubbing such impulses out of my heart.
Kensington on December 5, 2007 at 6:12 PM
“They havent found the weapon? I thought they said the shooter killed himself. Wouldnt the gun be right next to his body?” – the police would have to be sure that the weapon they found is the only weapon the gunman used. He might have had several, and thrown them to the ground elsewhere.
Apeking on December 5, 2007 at 6:12 PM
Always a fair amount of confusion when 8 innocent people get murdered in cold blood at a shopping mall. At Christmas.
Griz on December 5, 2007 at 6:13 PM
In light of this tragedy, I’ll be flip and course to say it,: how long before the libs try to tie this event into President Bush not knowing about the contents of the NIE report?
Mallard T. Drake on December 5, 2007 at 6:15 PM
Usually when someone says “think”, it means they are not sure.
MB4 on December 5, 2007 at 6:16 PM
Predictable anti-gun response in 5…4…3…
Ochlan on December 5, 2007 at 6:17 PM
Sexual Asphyxia has style, shooting random people doesn’t…
+1
liquidflorian on December 5, 2007 at 6:18 PM
Can I come to your Christmas party?
Ochlan on December 5, 2007 at 6:20 PM
The shooter has been identified as 19-year-old Robert Hawkins.
amerpundit on December 5, 2007 at 6:27 PM
Up to Date by Yahoo
MB4 on December 5, 2007 at 6:27 PM
Thoughts, prayers and condolences to the victims and their families.
TheBigOldDog on December 5, 2007 at 6:29 PM
Nebraska has a new Concealed Carry law. Guess which city has decided not to allow CC? Three guesses and the first two don’t count.
serenity on December 5, 2007 at 6:29 PM
.22?
Frozen Tex on December 5, 2007 at 6:30 PM
I’m sure a significant part of his thought process is that he will make a cause a big news splash and be remembered.
That’s the last time I’ll think about or mention this story, except for silent prayer for those he hurt.
Dusty on December 5, 2007 at 6:31 PM
I’m PSYCHIC! Unless I’m not.
peski on December 5, 2007 at 6:34 PM
Where was peski on November 22, 1963?
MB4 on December 5, 2007 at 6:37 PM
Here’s to that.
peski on December 5, 2007 at 6:37 PM
I was looking for opinions, not making a statement, hence the questionmark.
Frozen Tex on December 5, 2007 at 6:38 PM
There are much better ways to say BAH-HUMBUG. Yikes.
Thoughts are with the families.
SouthernGent on December 5, 2007 at 6:39 PM
And where was Frozen Tex on November 22, 1963?
You guys both sound pretty suspicious to me.
MB4 on December 5, 2007 at 6:40 PM
Thoughts and prayers.
I confess my first reaction was one of darkness…..probably will be again.
Limerick on December 5, 2007 at 6:41 PM
Another horrible tragedy perpetrated by some narcissistic Rambo wannabee against defenseless citizens. As long as criminals are willing to break the law(murder by any weapon or means), lawful citizens should be allowed to meet that threat.
infidel on December 5, 2007 at 6:41 PM
I was monkeying around with my time machine…
Frozen Tex on December 5, 2007 at 6:43 PM
Nebraska has a new Concealed Carry law. Guess which city has decided not to allow CC? Three guesses and the first two don’t count.
Blair?
Because Omaha has a Concealed Carry Law.
Vinnie on December 5, 2007 at 6:45 PM
Source? please/thanks
mad saint jack on December 5, 2007 at 6:49 PM
bevslape on December 5, 2007 at 6:50 PM
I heard this was a black man that did this. Is that true and if so the media will not indulge that info readily.
Winebabe on December 5, 2007 at 7:00 PM
Perhaps the news media should take a hint. If these types of events continue, and it becomes apparent that the perpetrators are doing them for the notoriety, the news media might want to reduce the hysteria, and the hype in their news coverage.
Fox News, Shep, you getting this?
Nah, they can’t do it, they love the blood just too much.
rockhauler on December 5, 2007 at 7:05 PM
It’s so strange when something like this happens in your home town. I was just at that mall a couple days ago. Thankfully none of my family and friends weren’t there shopping this day that I know of and I made quite afew calls to be sure. I do however feel very sad for those who weren’t so lucky. A tragic and senseless tragedy.
Yakko77 on December 5, 2007 at 7:06 PM
We’ve been trying to reach our neighbor across the street but the cell lines are jammed, Yakko.
Vinnie on December 5, 2007 at 7:07 PM
http://spiritlessons.com/Documents/BillWiese_23MinutesInHell_Text.htm
The above link will give a clue as to where this guy is now.
JellyToast on December 5, 2007 at 7:09 PM
Hrm, my parents landline wouldn’t connect but I got a hold of them on the cell. Strange.
I hope all your friends and family are safe.
Yakko77 on December 5, 2007 at 7:14 PM
It’s allowed in Omaha now but it’s pretty restricted. Malls are likely on the no CC list if I remember correctly.
Yakko77 on December 5, 2007 at 7:18 PM
A lost and confused kid it seems but he’s still a murderous maniac IMO. It sometimes seems like my bad days outnumber the good days at times but I in no way ever consider loading up my assault rifle and taking out my frustration on the world. My problems are my own and I wish these maniacs who shoot up schools and malls would consider that. Life sucks at times, deal with it, DON’T SHOOT RANDOM INNOCENT PEOPLE OVER IT….. or at the least shoot your damn self and leave everyone else alone.
Yakko77 on December 5, 2007 at 7:30 PM
The shooter got fired from McDonald’s? How much of a loser do you have to be to get fired from McDonalds?! Based on the incredibly poor quality of McDonald’s employees I’ve encountered in my life, I can’t fathom what it would take to actually get fired from that company.
Prayers to the victims and families. May the shooter rot.
aero on December 5, 2007 at 7:34 PM
Predictable anti-gun response in 5…4…3…
Ochlan on December 5, 2007 at 6:17 PM
2…1…cue madam speaker pelosi,senator reid,and the aclu
Kevin43 on December 5, 2007 at 7:41 PM
Its unsurprising that he’s a narcissistic bastard, its a common trait for many rampage shooters. Sick f*ck.
Bad Candy on December 5, 2007 at 7:47 PM
This is scary because we took a shortcut through Nebraska when moving to Idaho and stored our guns since they don’t recognize our CCW. Always fear something like this happening when I don’t have my gun.
frankj on December 5, 2007 at 7:58 PM
Hell I wouldn’t put it past the BDS crowd to claim it was Booooshitler’s foreign policy that drove this nut job to do what he did.
As others have noted, why do these unstable people insist on taking other innocent people with them, thus destroying the lives of not only the people they murder in cold blood, but also destroying the lives of the victim’s family and friends as well. It’s just incomprehensible to me.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the victims, as for the monster that did this, may he rot in HELL!!
Liberty or Death on December 5, 2007 at 8:02 PM
Uh, he’s whiter than the pure wind driven snow.
Yakko, thanks for the well wishes, we got through and everyone is fine.
Vinnie on December 5, 2007 at 8:10 PM
I don’t agree. He knew exactly what he was doing and why. He wanted to be famous. He wanted to go out with style and with today’s media he got his wish. These days the fast track to fame and into the history books is to do something spectacular. He also gets a twofer with this as laws may be changed which will restrict our freedoms but not hinder the likes of him in the least. His name goes into the history books and society may change for the foreseeable future.
jmarcure on December 5, 2007 at 8:12 PM
Earlier they showed pictures of a guy wearing camos getting arrested outside the mall at a bus stop, so I’d call that pretty readily divulged. Since the authorities say there was only one shooter inside the mall, my wild-ass guess would be that Bus Stop Guy had outstanding warrants on him, and–not knowing what was going on inside–thought the police were coming for him when they showed up. (They found him trying to hide under a bench, sticking out like a sore thumb, according to witnesses.) It’s just a theory, but it’s not entirely unreasonable. Hopefully they’ll fill in the blanks on that soon.
ReubenJCogburn on December 5, 2007 at 8:12 PM
Moving from ???
http://www.usconcealedcarry.com/public/381.cfm
Texyank on December 5, 2007 at 8:14 PM
The city of Omaha did have a ban on CCW but it was repealed on Jul 18 2006
http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2006/07/19/local/doc44bce1f171253416962196.txt
mad saint jack on December 5, 2007 at 8:23 PM
You could be correct. There are those in this world where the word “evil” is quite the appropriate title. This guy may have very well been a monster at heart and he unleashed the beast within him today.
Yakko77 on December 5, 2007 at 8:40 PM
If I would have left my house just a little bit earlier I would have been at the mall at the time. I thank God that my brother stopped by as I was getting ready to leave. My thoughts go out to all of the families involved.
I was listening to the press conference on the radio and from what the police said they detained some people that fit the descriptions they were given by witnesses. My understanding is that this person was wearing a camouflage jacket and the police were told the shooter was wearing camouflage.
Gianni on December 5, 2007 at 8:43 PM
That would certainly explain it. You’re a lot closer to the source than I am. The ‘hiding under the bench’ part is what made me suspect that he had a guilty conscience.
ReubenJCogburn on December 5, 2007 at 8:51 PM
I am seriously concerned that antidepressants could actually be causing more harm than good. I’ve lost count of the number of “shooter” stories I’ve read where the shooter was on antidepressants. Could it be that the medications are are actually making these people more depressed? It’s my opinion that we as a society are playing with fire by promoting drugs that alter brain chemistry. If the meds actually worked, would this guy have killed multiple other people and himself today?
ITookTheRedPill on December 5, 2007 at 9:25 PM
Just for clarity, “ITookTheRedPill” is a Matrix reference, not a reference to any real-world red pills.
I was raised in a Northeast blue state family, but “took the red pill”, left the matrix (the brainwashing and deception of the Democrat party) and have been a red state Republican ever since.
ITookTheRedPill on December 5, 2007 at 9:35 PM
Guns and antidepressants? I can write that lib attack in my sleep.
ANTIDEPRESSANTS – Blame the Republicans for no Universal Health Care. ( Why do they hate sick people?).
GUN CRIME – Blame the Republicans for not instituting gun control. ( Bunch ah gun nuts!)
It should be big fun for next three days or so.
RMR on December 5, 2007 at 9:40 PM
Jellytoast-thanks for sharing. I don’t know what to think about it yet, and he definitely took some verses out of context, but much food for thought.
tikvah on December 5, 2007 at 10:03 PM
I am familiar with the mental health system due to my line of work. I am only speaking from personal experience. The push has been on now for many years to empty all the state hospitals,, “to free the captives” I actually heard a man say,, to place in the community both the severe mentally retarded and severe mentally ill.
JellyToast on December 5, 2007 at 10:17 PM
An SKS is a semi-auto rifle, which explains the rapid-fire shooting. And the 7.62×39 round has lots more firepower than a .22
infidel4life on December 6, 2007 at 12:11 AM
You seem to be disregarding the thousands upon thousands (maybe millions) of people antidepressants have helped over the years, that you’ll never read about because we are leading normal lives, not shooting up shopping malls. Don’t buy into the lawyer-driven hysteria that antidepressants turn unsuspecting psychiatric patients into raving lunatics. It’s just a truckload of Tom Cruise style BS.
infidel4life on December 6, 2007 at 12:22 AM
More people need to get hand gun carry permits. Depending on the state you live its actually really easy. In Ct, where I live, perhaps in the top 6 or so lib states it was very easy and when I went to pick up my permit there were dozens of people of every sort of America getting theirs as well.
If more “citizens” carried, these massacres would end very quickly and over time probably end all together.
These nutjobs in every case have some “prey on the innocent” psychosis – but if they new 4 of 10 people were armed they wouldn’t see society as toothless.
amend2 on December 6, 2007 at 5:25 PM
Anyone lacking a criminal background can get a CHL. Fail the background check and it’s impossible to get one. I discovered there is much more to it than obtaining the license and holstering my firearm under a garment. The legal, tactical, safety, and many other concerns require study and practice beyond the certification. Not to mention regular shooting that takes a certain amount of financial commitment. I agree that more Americans should take responsibility for their own protection. It’s good to have at least a fighting chance against the criminals our society requires us to live with.
Buck Turgidson on December 6, 2007 at 9:52 PM
Does anybody join me in realizing that 32 people were killed because the killer wasn’t stopped? I don’t want to come off like I know all the answers. But, again, the evidence is overwhelming. If a good guy with a gun can stop evil crime and tragedy so often, why do we continue to create gun-free zones where killers can roam free?The Nugent family is praying as hard as we have ever prayed for the families affected by this terrible tragedy. We are praying just as hard that our fellow Americans would recognize that this kind of tragedy could be stopped if only more Americans were allowed to exercise their second amendment rights.
CNN Glenn Beck transcript 4-17-07 by Ted Nugent
Buck you can live in your excuses but attaining a hand gun permit and having the balls to carry a gun on you at all times is a sort of graduation into real Federalism and American Constervatism.
I couldn’t find the quote where Ted said .. something like this and i was rof.. ” YOu people are nuts to leave your house without a gun with all the whackos running around shooting people and blowing up public areas..”
amend2 on December 6, 2007 at 10:23 PM
I’d say somebody owes the Nebraska tax payers a refund for doing such a crappy job.
wytammic on December 6, 2007 at 11:54 PM
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