LA - Two killed, 9 injured in Lafayette movie theater shooting, 23 July 2015

[bessie]

I have no issue with them not releasing the suspect name thus far. In mass shootings I almost wish the names were never released. These people sometimes view themselves as anti heros, as martyrs. They go down in infamy and tons of unstable creeps actually idolize them. The killers get their names and faces aired 1000x as often as the victims of their heinous crimes. It's disgusting really.

Also, I worry for their families. A spouse, a child, a parent, a cousin. How do you cope with a loved one doing something so awful? How do you go on?


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I agree, and I really wish people would think about the possible consequences of posting the shooter's identity before it is officially released by LE. For one thing, he no doubt has loved ones, just like the victims he killed. How awful would it be for them to learn the news through social media gossip.

Another important point made by a LASP sergeant on CNN just now is the potential risk to LEO's lives and the investigation if the name is released unofficially. Investigators will be visiting the homes of his relatives and known associates to question them. Their work can be carried out with a higher degree of safety if those they call on are not expecting them.

I so wish that people would think and use social media responsibly. But that's just a pipe dream on my part.

My prayers go out to the victims, and all the good citizens of Lafayette. Even those who weren't injured will be disturbed for many years by the memory.

I once lived in an apartment on Johnston Street probably a mile or two from where the movie theatre stands today. Never in my wildest of wildest dreams could I have imagined something like this happening in that area back then. It makes me very sad.

 

[Tssiemer]

I know we're all shocked he's 58 but wasn't there a theatre shooting just after Aurora where an older guy shot two people because they were talking during the movie?

Or did I make that up?

Eta: I found it. It was because the guy was texting. This guy was 71 and a retired cop.

http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/R...-Over-Texting-240108301.html?device=phone&c=y

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[wendybtn]

Yeah, the culture/environment of fear, paranoia, xenophobia, and Islamophobia is hardly new in North America.

Yep. I've been somewhat down on Iran since the hostage crisis of 1979.

 

[wendybtn]

There were no gun shots in the movie. There weren't even any scenes that would make you expect gunshots.

Holmes specifically chose Batman, right? I can't think of any reason someone would choose specifically choose this movie. I can't think of why someone would go into a theatre to shoot people at all, tbh.

While Holmes may have been found legally sane, he suffers from a major mental illness, IMHO. I think Batman caught his eye from all the publicity given that movie. It is too early to say with this person.

 

[wendybtn]

I agree, and I really wish people would think about the possible consequences of posting the shooter's identity before it is officially released by LE. For one thing, he no doubt has loved ones, just like the victims he killed. How awful would it be for them to learn the news through social media gossip.

Another important point made by a LASP sergeant on CNN just now is the potential risk to LEO's lives and the investigation if the name is released unofficially. Investigators will be visiting the homes of his relatives and known associates to question them. Their work can be carried out if with a higher degree of safety if those they call on are not expecting them.

I so wish that people would think and use social media responsibly. But that's just a pipe dream on my part.

My prayers go out to the victims, and all the good citizens of Lafayette. Even those who weren't injured will be disturbed for many years by the memory.

I once lived in an apartment on Johnston Street probably a mile or two from where the movie theatre stands today. Never in my wildest of wildest dreams could I have imagined something like this happening in that area back then. It makes me very sad.

You do make a good point. But it is strange to me that people feel this way when the shooter is white, but not of Middle Eastern descent or a police officer, or if the victims are a religious or racial minority.

 

[FindHG]

The Latest: Motel Room Searched After Movie Theater Shooting
LAFAYETTE, La. — Jul 24, 2015, 6:26 AM ET

"Louisiana State Police spokesman Maj. Doug Cain said the theater investigation led them to a room at the Motel 6. Cain said authorities were investigating whether the shooter had stayed there. He said the bomb squad swept the room before going in as a precaution."




KATC's contiuous update

http://www.katc.com/category/291399/live-stream

Last night's 11 pm update by Police Chief Jim Craft

Paraphrased from livestream of Acadiana's, KATC ABC 3

Public being asked to stay away of Johnson Street Area, though not closed, as investigation continues into the weekend. (7:15 am)

PC expected sometime after 7:15 am. It's known the shooter had a criminal record that goes beyond LA.

The shooting seems to coincided with the Aurora Theater shooting adjudication, it has been noted.

At least one of the injured is still in critical condition. One confirmed to have been released.

(6:55 am currently LA time)

 

[Elley Mae]

Law enforcement officials are expected to provide the latest updates on the Lafayette movie theater shootings in a news conference Friday morning (July 24). The news conference was originally set for 6 a.m. but has now been pushed back past 7 a.m.

http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2015/07/lafayette_theater_shooting_law.html

Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft said the gunman was by himself and started the rampage by shooting the two people sitting in front of him.

 

[Elley Mae]

The Latest: Motel room searched after movie theater shooting

http://www.kplctv.com/story/29623453/the-latest-motel-room-searched-after-movie-theater-shooting

"It looks like he spotted the officers coming in and he turned around and he went against the crowd, and he fired a single gunshot," he said. "He was seated in the theater just like everybody else."

"The information we have at this time indicates that he was by himself, sat by himself and the first two people he shot were sitting right in front of him," Craft said.

 

[FindHG]

Hero Teacher Jumped in Front of Coworker During Lafayette, Louisiana Movie Theater Shooting, Gov. Says
By Emily Shapiro, Good Morning America, 14 minutes ago

 

[bessie]

[video=twitter;624556978577117184]https://twitter.com/CunninghamWDSU/status/624556978577117184[/video]

 

[GulfCoastKAT]

Shooter identified of John R Houser, 59, of Alabama. He fired 13 rounds from a .40 caliber gun. Victims are 21 year old and 33 year old women.


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[FindHG]

KATC livestream

paraphrased from LE update:

"MAYCI" Breaux, 21 and Jillian Johnson, 33 did not know each other.

Shooter from Alabama. Was at the hotel since the beginning of July. Family estranged, not much contact with shooter. Said he drifted. Married at one time. The only connection found to the area, an uncle who lived there but has been deceased for over 30 something yrs. Had wig/s? in room. Had car plate/s? in room too.

Call with info: 337-291-8650

 

[GulfCoastKAT]

KATC.com is our local news.


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[bessie]

Lafayette theater gunman identified
By Carlie Kollath Wells, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
on July 24, 2015 at 7:23 AM, updated July 24, 2015 at 7:33 AM

What we know so far about the shooter from authorities and witnesses:

• Identified as John Russell Houser.
• 59-year-old man.
• Previously lived in Alabama and has been staying in a Lafayette motel since early July. Described as a "drifter."
• He acted alone.
• He watched 20 minutes of the movie before opening fire.
He started the rampage by shooting the two people sitting in front of him.
• "He wasn't saying anything" during the shooting.
• The gunman initially tried escaping by blending into the fleeing crowd, but turned back when he saw police heading inside from the parking lot.
• Officers tailing him back into the theater heard a single gunshot and found him dead inside.

More bullet points from the presser at the link

 

[bessie]

John Russell Houser

[video=twitter;624559720670601216]https://twitter.com/WCBD/status/624559720670601216[/video]

 

[CARIIS]

NEWS
[h=1]Hero teacher took a bullet for coworker in Lafayette theater shooting, Louisiana gov. says[/h]



http://abc13.com/news/teacher-takes-bullet-hailed-as-hero-in-la-shooting/877428/

 

[FindHG]

Reports of heroism emerge in wake of Lafayette theater shooting
After a lone gunman opened fire on a crowded theater in Lafayette, La., on Thursday, killing two and wounding nine, two teachers were lauded for their heroism and bravery.
By Cristina Maza, Staff writer, The Christian Science Monitor, July 24 '15

 

[GulfCoastKAT]

Jillian Johnson was a beautiful woman. I am in tears reading the comments on her Fb from her friends.


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[CARIIS]

It appears he planned on fleeing, wigs and stuff found in his motel room (disguise stuff)

cnn

 

[bessie]

Mayci Breaux, 21 and Jillian Johnson, 33

http://www.katc.com/story/29624106/victims-gunman-identified-in-grand-16-shooting


May they Rest in Peace

Many prayers for their loved ones.

:rose: :rose:

One poor woman remains in critical condition. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, as well.