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WESTROADS SHOOTING
Omaha, NE - Nine people are confirmed dead - including the gunman - following the shooting at Westroads Mall this afternoon. Five others were hurt, including two who are still listed in critical condition Wednesday night. Police have identified Robert Hawkins of Sarpy County as the alleged shooter. Sergeant Teresa Negron says he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the store. Hawkins was 20 years old. At one point he attended Papillion-La Vista High School. Sources tell Action 3 News Hawkins recently tried to get in the Army, but wasn't accepted. Police Chief Thomas Warren says five of the victims are female, three are male. He would not disclose the ages of the victims, but says the group appears to include both Von Maur employees and shoppers. Officers have recovered the gun. They say it was an SKS assault rifle. The Omaha Police Department says the Hampton Inn across the street from the mall is welcoming concerned family at this point. Von Maur Corporate issued this statement: "We are deeply saddened by the horrific shooting at our Omaha store this afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragic eve well as they're families." The Director of Sales tells Action 3 News the store has a policy in place for emergencies such as this. He says workers at the Omaha store went through training for emergencies within the past year. Westroads Mall will be closed Thursday. If you were at the mall and witnessed the shooting, we would like to hear your story. Send an e-mail and any pictures or cell phone video you may have taken to news@action3news.com. Reported by Jen Kucirek, jkucirek@action3news.co WESTROADS IS LOCATED BETWEEN 90TH AND 100TH AND DODGE STREET IN OMAHA. It was constructed in the early 70's and has two vast long floors. It is one of the largest in Omaha. There are numerous stores and a wonderful movie complex.. The main portion of the store is the typical mall with major retail outlets as their anchors. It is safe and the killings were highly unusual. The shooter is a white male. In some ways, it feels common. What may be the case is that the coverage is instant and the format appears to be the same as other mass shootings. The mall, store, management, worksers or the poilice are not the be blamed. Having been to the Westroads hundreds of times, it is an excellent place to shop. We want to extend our sympathies to all including the victims, family of victims and those who were terrified. SOCIALVIBES.NET/ JOELSNELL.COM JSNELL@KIRKWOOD.EDU J.SNELL@VIBES. COME
Omaha, NE - Nine people are confirmed dead - including the gunman - following the shooting at Westroads Mall this afternoon. Five others were hurt, including two who are still listed in critical condition Wednesday night. Police have identified Robert Hawkins of Sarpy County as the alleged shooter. Sergeant Teresa Negron says he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the store. Hawkins was 20 years old. At one point he attended Papillion-La Vista High School. Sources tell Action 3 News Hawkins recently tried to get in the Army, but wasn't accepted. Police Chief Thomas Warren says five of the victims are female, three are male. He would not disclose the ages of the victims, but says the group appears to include both Von Maur employees and shoppers. Officers have recovered the gun. They say it was an SKS assault rifle. The Omaha Police Department says the Hampton Inn across the street from the mall is welcoming concerned family at this point. Von Maur Corporate issued this statement: "We are deeply saddened by the horrific shooting at our Omaha store this afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragic event as well as they're families." The Director of Sales tells Action 3 News the store has a policy in place for emergencies such as this. He says workers at the Omaha store went through training for emergencies within the past year. Westroads Mall will be closed Thursday. If you were at the mall and witnessed the shooting, we would like to hear your story. Send an e-mail and any pictures or cell phone video you may have taken to news@action3news.com. Reported by Jen Kucirek, jkucirek@action3news.com. Additional reporting by Kayla Thomas, kayla@action3news.com
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