This morning former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her husband Mark Kelley were among the witnesses at a Senate Judiciary Committee investigating gun violence and gun safety. During Mr. Kelley's presentation, he interrupted one of his answers to say that a mass shooting had just been reported in his home state of Arizona.
What we know at this point is that a white male in his 60s walked into a large business building in north central Phoenix, got into an argument in the lobby, and started shooting—at least 10 shots were fired and two different guns were used. The suspect fled and has not been captured. Six people were injured, three were shot seriously and taken to John C. Lincoln Hospital. The TV's are filled with coverage right now, and SWAT officers have surrounded a nearby home, possibly the shooter's residence. That's all we know right now.
Police have confirmed that three people were shot at a business complex near 16th Street and Glendale Avenue in Phoenix Wednesday morning.
Phoenix police spokesman Sgt. Tommy Thompson said there was an altercation prior to the shooting inside the building at about 10:30 a.m. He said police do not believe this was a random shooting.
azfamily.com
It appears to be a job-related incident, and the office building has been cleared. Helicopter news cameras are showing the SWAT officers surrounding the home and they seem prepared to enter. Reporters are now saying they have the suspect's name. Neighbors say he's a really nice guy.
Arizona is an open-carry state, where anyone can carry a holstered weapon—no registration or permit required. Just about anyone can buy anything at gun shows, no questions asked. So it's not unusual to see people walking around the grocery story with a pistol strapped to their hip. It's stuff like today's shooting, in the wake of Newtown, that's making people very edgy. A fellow walked into a K-Mart just last week with a weapon, and people went fleeing for the exits.
To quote Gabby, "Enough."
UPDATE: Sadly, one of the victims has died. This link has much more new information:
The suspect in the deadly Wednesday morning Phoenix office building shooting has been identified as Arthur Douglas Harmon, 70, according to 12 News sources. Arizona Republic
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