Jorge Rivas

Breaking News: Gunman Opens Fire in Immigration Services Center

via: NY Times

Twelve or 13 people were killed when a gunman opened fire in an immigration services center in Binghamton, N.Y., Gov. David A. Paterson said Friday.

“While the situation is still developing and details are being gathered, we do know that a gunman entered the American Civic Association in Binghamton this morning and that there are fatalities,” Governor Paterson said in a statement Friday afternoon. “We are monitoring the situation, and I have directed the State Police to assist the Binghamton Police Department in any way they can.”

The gunman, described as a man in his 20s, had a high-powered rifle, Mayor Matthew Ryan of Binghamton told The Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin. NBC News quoted law enforcement sources saying that several weapons were recovered from the scene.

According to several news reports, the police said the gunman shot and killed himself and may be among the count of 12 or 13 dead.

UPDATE: via angry asian man

Some more into on the shooting rampage in Binghamton: At Least 12 Slain in Binghamton, N.Y. The shooter has been identified as 41-year-old Jiverly Voong. He apparently entered the immigration services building at around 10:00am and just started shooting, killing at least 12 people and holding dozens of people hostage for several hours before shooting himself in the head: Binghamton Rampage Leaves 13 Dead, Shooter’s Sister Stunned.

I’m sure in the coming days we’re going to hear more about Voong and speculation about what drove him to do this. Prepare thyself for the coming onslaught of commentators and pundits comparing this guy to Virginia Tech shooter Seung-hui Cho, and wondering what’s up with all these Asian psycho shooters. My sympathy goes out to all the victims and their families… I don’t even know what to say.

Posted at 12:26 PM, Apr 03, 2009 in News | Permalink | View Comments