US: Gunman murders five, later gets killed in police firefight
Five people were killed and multiple police officers shot yesterday when a gunman opened fire in an industrial area on the outskirts of Chicago, the latest mass shooting to hit the United States. Police said officers engaged in a firefight with the suspect, thought to be an employee, before he was shot dead. He was identified as 45-year-old Gary Martin. Here is more.
Shooting took place at a giant manufacturing complex in Aurora
The shooting took place at approximately 1:28 pm (7:28 pm GMT), at a giant manufacturing complex in Aurora, Illinois, a small suburb 65 kilometers west of central Chicago. Aurora police chief Kristen Ziman said five police officers were shot. Two were airlifted to Chicago-area trauma centers. "The other officers on the scene located gunshot victims inside the building," Ziman said at a news conference.
Witnesses locked themselves in nearby buildings as gunman began shooting
Police didn't release information on the officers' conditions or victims' identities. Witnesses said the gunman was a disgruntled employee at the complex who was fired yesterday. They further said they locked themselves into nearby buildings as the gunman began firing off rounds. Aerial TV footage showed dozens of police cars, ambulances and fire trucks at the scene as officers with shields entered the complex.
Saw the guy running down the aisles with pistol: Witness
John Probst, a worker of Henry Pratt Co. in the industrial park, said he was in the building when the shooting began but was able to escape it. He said he recognized the gunman as a co-worker. Recalling the incident, Probst said, "What I saw was the guy running down the aisles with a pistol with a laser on it."
Local school district put campuses on lockdown following the shooting
"We were just scared," Nancy Caal, an employee of a nearby repair workshop, said. She said that after hearing numerous emergency sirens, she along with three others locked all the doors and front gate of her building. The local school district put campuses on lockdown, but students were released later in the day. Later, the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police lauded the wounded cops.
Trump briefed about shooting, monitoring the situation
It said the cops "willingly ran into harm's way to protect their fellow citizens and very nearly paid the ultimate price." Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has been briefed on the shooting and is monitoring the situation. He also appreciated the cops' efforts on Twitter.
