OR - Nine killed in Umpqua Community College shooting, Roseburg, 1 Oct 2015 - #1

[Bravo]

I felt bad for shooter guy's Dad. He truly appeared devastated. Guess we have not heard from Mom yet????

 

[Lilibet]

I've finally caught up after having to be away from WS for most of yesterday and today. The debate about guns and mental health continues. These are extremely complex and divisive issues, seemingly without solutions that will satisfy and protect everyone. So I will opt out of that part of the discussion.

At this point I want to think about the ones who died. I have followed the links in this article to read about each person. Such losses...to their families, friends and communities. I will never drive by Roseburg again without thinking of them and and the survivors and the local residents who will never be the same. I wish them comfort in a troubled world. And I want to thank two men living in the Roseburg area, who showed self-sacrificing courage, one in Roseburg, and the other on a train halfway around the world. True heroes. I'm sure Roseburg is very proud to have them in their midst.

http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-n..._the_names_of_the_ump.html#incart_maj-story-1

 

[ElleElle]

I am wondering where the money came from to purchase guns

I know. But alot of low-income people acquire guns. Were they all his, or some belonging to family members?

 

[SophieRose]

http://www.latimes.com/nation/natio...ercer-oregon-shooting-20151002-htmlstory.html

Ian Mercer and Laurel Harper married in 1989, separating just 11 months later in 1990, according to divorce records. The couple officially divorced in 2006, after more than a decade of separation, citing irreconcilable differences. Mercer and Harper agreed to joint legal custody of Harper-Mercer.

snip

He attended El Camino College from 2010 to 2012, according to Ann Garten, a spokesman for the community college. He was not involved in any incidents during his time there, she said.

snip

A review of Army records indicate that Christopher Sean Harper-Mercer was in the service at Ft. Jackson, S.C., from Nov. 5 to Dec. 11, 2008. He was discharged for failing to meet the "minimum administrative standards to serve."

 

[Bravo]

I know. But alot of low-income people acquire guns. Were they all his, or some belonging to family members?

Not sure where the link is but apparently some were purchased by him and others by Family members????? In a 1 bedroom place I question the need for 13 guns or was it 14? Having said that I really wonder about Mom? was she able to support and care for this young man?

 

[tangelo]

Well......when you consider all the hoops we must jump through for air travel since 9/11, you'll realize what most folks are willing to sacrifice for safety.

Even so, at this point it doesn't sound like stricter gun laws would have stopped this freak from slaughtering innocent people.

you have no constitutional right to get on an airplane.
tho it is staggering what some will sacrifice for perceived safety

 

[ElleElle]

Not sure where the link is but apparently some were purchased by him and others by Family members????? In a 1 bedroom place I question the need for 13 guns or was it 14? Having said that I really wonder about Mom? was she able to support and care for this young man?

"13 firearms found
Investigators found 13 firearms connected to shooter, Celinez Nunez of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said.

Five pistols and one rifle were found at the college, where the shooter died Thursday after a gunbattle with police, Nunez told reporters.

Police searched his apartment and found two pistols, four rifles and a shotgun, she said.

All the guns were legally obtained by the shooter or family members over the last three years through a federally licensed firearms dealer, she said. A flak jacket was found next to a rifle at the school with five magazines of ammunition, Nunez said, and additional ammunition was found at the residence."

Source ~ http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/02/us/oregon-umpqua-community-college-shooting/

 

[tangelo]

Is it easy to avoid states where folks conceal carry when visiting the USA, or is it pretty much everywhere? Just curious.

dont know what activities your travel plans involve, but some states dont have the death penalty, if that helps

 

[Bravo]

Checking out. Be safe everyone. RIP to those who died by this vile shooter. Prayers to all that are suffering from this tragic loss.

 

[Bravo]

dont know what activities your travel plans involve, but some states dont have the death penalty, if that helps

We dont have it either in Canada. Hope that helps :thinking: Off I go. Night all.

 

[Fairy1]

I grew up in Oregon - not far from Roseburg. I have been to Roseburg. I want to understand why a 26-year-old man could wake up on a beautiful fall day in a beautiful place and make the decision to slaughter innocent people he didn't even know.

 

[Foxfire]

http://www.latimes.com/nation/natio...ercer-oregon-shooting-20151002-htmlstory.html

Ian Mercer and Laurel Harper married in 1989, separating just 11 months later in 1990, according to divorce records. The couple officially divorced in 2006, after more than a decade of separation, citing irreconcilable differences. Mercer and Harper agreed to joint legal custody of Harper-Mercer.

snip

He attended El Camino College from 2010 to 2012, according to Ann Garten, a spokesman for the community college. He was not involved in any incidents during his time there, she said.

snip

A review of Army records indicate that Christopher Sean Harper-Mercer was in the service at Ft. Jackson, S.C., from Nov. 5 to Dec. 11, 2008. He was discharged for failing to meet the "minimum administrative standards to serve."

<BBM for Focus>

This is a very good example of why the shooter; Christopher Sean Harper-Mercer's name should be shared in the media, imo.
While there is documentation as to why his military career was cut short in his personnel file; failing to meet the "minimum administrative standards to serve." His peers, as well as his Company Commander and Drill Sergeants can likely provide specific examples of why he did not meet the Army's minimum standards. CSM was discharged half way through Basic Training, which is a 10 week course.

Schedules & Timelines - Army
Army Basic Training is an intense 10 week program. The breakdown is as follows:
ZERO WEEK: RECEPTION
This is where your transformation for civilian life to the Army world begins&#8212;from bidding farewell to your civilian clothes, getting your Army haircut and getting ready to become physical fit.
WEEK 1: FALL IN
Once Reception Week completes, it's now time to get down to business, lots to learn in a short period of time, new rules, regulations and processes involved in being in the Army. Classroom instruction begins
WEEK 2: DIRECTION
Your new mentor is your Drill Sergeant, leaving the classroom for the field, it's time to test your physical and mental endurance. Possible things to learn this week are map reading and first aid
WEEK 3: ENDURANCE
During week 3 you will have to rely on your team mate and dig deep inside yourself, it is time to start the physical and mental challenges of the simulated combat scenarios.
WEEK 4: MARKSMANSHIP
The M16A2. It is the standard issue weapon of the U.S. Army. You will be taught everything there is to know about this weapon. Learning to shoot a rifle is more than pulling the trigger. Marksmanship courses will teach you not only the proper way to hold a weapon, but also how to breathe and shoot from many different positions
WEEK 5: TRIALS
Hope you were paying attention in week 4 because you will use all that information this week to pass the Basic Rifle Marksmanship Qualification Course and the Fit to Win Obstacle Course. You will be challenged both mentally and physically.
WEEK 6: CAMARADERIE
You platoon is only as strong as its weakest member, this week you will learn to count on your fellow trainees. Bonds are formed and confidence is gained as trust exercises are implemented.

http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/army-boot-camp-schedule.html

 

[Montjoy]

A publication ban on the identity of a criminal does not prevent an investigation into or revelation of every salient detail of that criminal's life during a trial or inquest.

 

[Foxfire]

A publication ban on the identity of a criminal does not prevent an investigation into or revelation of every salient detail of that criminal's life during a trial or inquest.

Montjoy, there is no publication ban on the shooter's identity. Only the refusal by the Sheriff to mention his name and his recommendation that others, including ms media, follow his lead..

When prolific Serial Killer Gary Hilton was arrested in GA on 01/04/2008. The GBI/LE thought that he was only a petty thief and drifter; a vagabond responsible for only one abduction/murder. Once his name, photo, and vehicle description was released to the public via local/national ms media, the evil truth was revealed that he had murdered multiple people in other states..

'For those who believe, no proof is necessary and for those disbelieve, no proof is possible'.. quote by Stewart Chase..

 

[IBsleuthin]

"13 firearms found
Investigators found 13 firearms connected to shooter, Celinez Nunez of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said.

Five pistols and one rifle were found at the college, where the shooter died Thursday after a gunbattle with police, Nunez told reporters.

Police searched his apartment and found two pistols, four rifles and a shotgun, she said.

All the guns were legally obtained by the shooter or family members over the last three years through a federally licensed firearms dealer, she said. A flak jacket was found next to a rifle at the school with five magazines of ammunition, Nunez said, and additional ammunition was found at the residence."

Source ~ http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/02/us/oregon-umpqua-community-college-shooting/

Perfect. Well, there you have it. All of that gun registering and license and writing the serial numbers down and the background check did NOTHING to prevent this from happening. Nothing. Thank you for posting this it was good information.

(BBM)

 

[IBsleuthin]

<BBM for Focus>

This is a very good example of why the shooter; Christopher Sean Harper-Mercer's name should be shared in the media, imo.
While there is documentation as to why his military career was cut short in his personnel file; failing to meet the "minimum administrative standards to serve." His peers, as well as his Company Commander and Drill Sergeants can likely provide specific examples of why he did not meet the Army's minimum standards. CSM was discharged half way through Basic Training, which is a 10 week course.

Schedules & Timelines - Army
Army Basic Training is an intense 10 week program. The breakdown is as follows:
ZERO WEEK: RECEPTION
This is where your transformation for civilian life to the Army world begins&#8212;from bidding farewell to your civilian clothes, getting your Army haircut and getting ready to become physical fit.
WEEK 1: FALL IN
Once Reception Week completes, it's now time to get down to business, lots to learn in a short period of time, new rules, regulations and processes involved in being in the Army. Classroom instruction begins
WEEK 2: DIRECTION
Your new mentor is your Drill Sergeant, leaving the classroom for the field, it's time to test your physical and mental endurance. Possible things to learn this week are map reading and first aid
WEEK 3: ENDURANCE
During week 3 you will have to rely on your team mate and dig deep inside yourself, it is time to start the physical and mental challenges of the simulated combat scenarios.
WEEK 4: MARKSMANSHIP
The M16A2. It is the standard issue weapon of the U.S. Army. You will be taught everything there is to know about this weapon. Learning to shoot a rifle is more than pulling the trigger. Marksmanship courses will teach you not only the proper way to hold a weapon, but also how to breathe and shoot from many different positions
WEEK 5: TRIALS
Hope you were paying attention in week 4 because you will use all that information this week to pass the Basic Rifle Marksmanship Qualification Course and the Fit to Win Obstacle Course. You will be challenged both mentally and physically.
WEEK 6: CAMARADERIE
You platoon is only as strong as its weakest member, this week you will learn to count on your fellow trainees. Bonds are formed and confidence is gained as trust exercises are implemented.

http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/army-boot-camp-schedule.html

I am so sorry to disagree, but I have to disagree. I don't know if the original quote you were replying to copied here. But the brief history you have here of his life shows NOTHING out of the real ordinary that would even cause a flag or concern.

He had not aggressive background, no multiple arrests, no multiple charges in his past for assault, threats, domestic violence, anything that would throw up that red flag and say, "Hey now, this is a guy to be watched."

As far as his military discharge? Could have been anything.

 

[IBsleuthin]

Pretty scary, here, too. Some fast food places offer free chicken dinners when you show your CCW. :facepalm:

I would like to say here that the only reason you think this is scary is because the media has drilled it into your head that it should be scary.

Where I grew up? EVERYONE, (read it again) E V E R Y O N E had guns. Rifles and pistols. My own grandmother who was as close to a Saint as there ever could be had a shotgun in the broom closet right by the door.

The best Christmas gift most kids could get at about the age of 10 or 12 would be a nice .22 single bolt action rifle. (Bought my own kids the same).

Nobody in my school ever got shot, ever in all the how many years it has been open since 1912 or whatever. Nobody.

This is not about the gun, it's about the person that did this.

 

[kalekona]

Thanks for saying this. I'm not trying to be tinfoil hat-ish, but there is something definitely wrong with his social media presence. I have a feeling some of it may have been altered. MOO

Could be but both his father and sister have spoken out and neither has contradicted anything that has been posted yet.

 

[Lilibet]

Remembering the victims. Their photos are at the link.

http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2015/10/us/oregon-college-shooting-victims/

 

[Foxfire]

I am so sorry to disagree, but I have to disagree. I don't know if the original quote you were replying to copied here. But the brief history you have here of his life shows NOTHING out of the real ordinary that would even cause a flag or concern.

He had not aggressive background, no multiple arrests, no multiple charges in his past for assault, threats, domestic violence, anything that would throw up that red flag and say, "Hey now, this is a guy to be watched."

As far as his military discharge? Could have been anything.

IBsleuthin, I suspect that there were likely specific incidents that caused Christopher Sean Harper-Mercer, to get booted from boot camp.
The only thing that I have ever won was the Vietnam Draft Lottery. I was Army Infantry and attended basic training. During basic training, you eat, drink, train, and occasionally sleep with your fellow trainees 24/7. Initially it is one big dysfunctional family that is eventually molded into a well oiled team. Christopher Sean Harper-Mercer was the weak link in this team..jmo