UPDATE:Statement from President Obama on the Tragic Shooting
“Michelle and I were shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the act of senseless violence in Binghamton, NY today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and the people of Binghamton. We don’t yet know all the facts, but my administration is actively monitoring the situation and the Vice President is in touch with Governor Paterson and local officials to track developments.”
A tragic shooting spree occurred inside a Binghamton, New York, civic association building that caters to immigrants, and at the time of the shooting, was holding citizenship classes. Gunman Jiverly Voong (also known as Linh Phat Voong) shot 13 people dead and wounded another 26 who were in the building. He then shot himself dead, according to ABC.com. Officials said that Voong barricaded the back door with his car before walking through the front door, shooting randomly, starting with the receptionist who was shot in the head. A FBI hostage team was called to the scene as several people were held as hostages. They have been removed from the building but police are treating the situation carefully and some people are getting patted down.—WLW