Three dead including gunman in Oregon mall shooting
Washington, Dec. 12 (ANI)
A masked gunman opened fire at a mall in suburban Portland, Oregon, killing at least two people before killing himself, police has said.
Clackamas County sheriff's Lt. James Rhodes said that authorities were still trying to get more details about the situation at the Clackamas Town Center.
"I can confirm that we believe at this point that there was one and only one shooter involved and that that shooter is deceased," Rhodes said.
"In addition to that we have at least one patient who was taken taken from the mall with a traumatic injury and at least two that were deceased," he added.
According to CBS News, witnesses described seeing a gunman who looked like a teenager with a white hockey mask, wearing what was believed to be a black, bulletproof vest and carrying an assault rifle.
The witnesses said that the person entered the mall through a Macy's store, ran through the upper level of Macy's and opened fire near the mall food court, firing multiple shots, one right after another, with what is believed to be a black, semiautomatic rifle, according to the report.
Witnesses described the shooter as being on a mission and determined, looking straight ahead.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. I appreciate the work of the first responders and their quick reaction to this tragic shooting," Governor John Kitzhaber released a statement late Tuesday, said.
"Oregon State Police Superintendent Rich Evans is on the scene. I have directed State Police to make any and all necessary resources available to local law enforcement," he added.