proof positive that this can happen anywhere- and seriously, i have always said that it's my neighbors i fear most
gunman with high powered rifle takes over american civic association- binghamton, ny
my mother heard the sirens this morning- that's how close this is to my family. they are safe but there are at least 4 confirmed dead and wounded have been taken to area hospitals. that's all i know as of 1pm est.
4 comments:
betmo, heard this on the teevee. I am so sad for your community, and glad that you and those you love are safe.
It is an awful thing to have happen to one's own town. The death toll is horrendous. And, like you say, it could happen anywhere.
This is not the way I would have chosen to see your town up close, my dear friend. Peace be with you.
I got up today thinking about your closing; heard the news, and worried that you and your husband might be near the place where the incident occurred.
Not too many days ago you and I were writing about having home security, etc. I'm sure you remember our e-mail exchange on our concerns for a certain amount of safety - now this happens.
I'm glad you're safe; found this story as an update:
April 3 (Bloomberg) -- A gunman opened fire at the offices of a refugee aid organization in downtown Binghamton, New York, today, killing at least 12 people and taking dozens hostage before killing himself.
About 40 people were held hostage during the three-hour siege at the American Civic Association, said the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin. At least four people were wounded.
ABC News reported the gunman later shot and killed himself. The Associated Press cited an unidentified federal official as saying the man’s body was found in the building.
New York Governor David Paterson told a press conference in Albany that 12 to 13 people died. In a statement, he called it “a tragic day for New York.”
Televised images showed people taken on stretchers from the center, which helps immigrants and refugees with citizenship and resettlement issues.
The gunman, who entered the building at about 10:30 a.m. local time, had a high-powered rifle, the Press & Sun-Bulletin said, citing Mayor Matthew Ryan. He barricaded a back door with his car and walked in through the front, AP said.
Fifteen people took refuge in a closet and 26 fled to the boiler room, the newspaper said.
A SWAT team was sent to the scene, neighboring apartments were evacuated and Binghamton High School, a block and a half away, was locked down.
The association has its offices on Front Street in Binghamton, which is about 170 miles (273 kilometers) northwest of New York City.
It was at least the third mass shooting in a month. In Alabama, a former factory worker shot and killed 10 relatives and bystanders March 10 before killing himself, while a 17-year- old boy killed 15 people at his former school in Stuttgart, Germany, the following day.
To contact the reporter on this story: Chris Dolmetsch in New York at cdolmetsch@bloomberg.net.
Last Updated: April 3, 2009 15:31 EDT
Hey, can you believe this - the word verification is MATCH - an actual word!!!
Stay safe; glad you're closing is over with - what a hectic day for you and everyone in your community. Diane
I am keeping tabs on this! So far 15 dead! Afew days ago it was a nursing home. I don't know what set this guy off but as we said, this will get worse as people get more desperate for whatever reason. Stay safe!
I was worried for you and your family Betmo..thanks for calming me down.
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