Oregon killer profile released
The law enforcement officials revealed that the gunman, Christopher Harper-Mercer who shot students at Umpqua Community College was struggling with mental illness He was further described as a "hate-filled individual with anti-government, anti-religious and white supremacy leanings". Harper-Mercer belonged to the class where he opened fire. The police found 13 illegally purchased firearms at his place.
Oregon shooter kills 9 in a community college
On 2 October 2015, a shooter entered the Umpqua Community College and opened fire killing 9 people and injuring several others. The shooter himself was shot in the crossfire by the police. Several media agencies named the killer as Chris Harper Mercer, who asked the people their religion before shooting them. Those who admitted to being Christians were shot in the head, others elsewhere.
Obama says the need to 'change' laws
US President Barack Obama hinted towards the great need to change gun control laws after the tragedy saying: "Each time this happens, I am going to say we are going to have to do something about it. And we are going to have to change our laws."
Democratic lawmakers push new gun-control laws
The Oregon shooting debacle brought the gun control debate to the forefront with democratic lawmakers pushing for stricter gun control. Connecticut Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy made the announcement of a new legislation in Connecticut which would "bar gun sales until background checks are complete." The lawmakers said that this was 'fairly modest' keeping in view the number of mass killings taking place.
Guns without background checks within 72 hours
The current American laws allow the procurement of a gun after 72 hours even if the background check is incomplete.
Jeb Bush under heat for 'stuff happens' comment
Jeb Bush invited a widespread criticism for saying that "stuff happens" in reference to the repeated calls for legislative effort after tragedies such as the Oregon shooting. He was blamed for downplaying the tragedy which killed 9, and injured 9 others. Later, Bush clarified that he was " talking more generally about the tendency to pass laws in response to tragic events."
Flag-down honor in memory of Oregon victims
President Barack Obama declared a proclamation to hold flags at half-staff from 3 October 2015 till 6 October 2015 in memory of Oregon victims. Gov. Brian Sandoval too reserved "all flags to be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol" and all public buildings in Nevada. A similar flag down honor will be given in Connecticut according to Governor Dannel P. Malloy.
