Gunman Opens Fire During ‘Trainwreck’ Movie, 2 Killed

24 Jul, 2015

An Alabama drifter opened fire inside a crowded movie theater, killing two women in Lafayette, Louisiana, on Thursday evening, police said, in the latest act of random gun violence to shock the United States.

The gunfire erupted during a showing of the film “Trainwreck” before the 59-year-old suspect, identified as John R. Houser, killed himself with a .40 caliber handgun as officers rushed to the scene, police told a morning press conference.

The shootings took place almost three years to the day after 12 people were killed at a cinema in Aurora, Colorado, and follows several mass shootings in the United States in recent weeks.

Authorities said seven people were wounded, three of them critically. One person underwent surgery and “was not doing well,” police said.

“This is a normal movie theater in a normal part of a normal town. This is Anywhere, USA,” said Republican Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who went to Lafayette to meet with law enforcement and victims.

“This just shows these senseless acts of violence can literally happen anywhere.”

The two victims were identified as Mayci Breaux, 21 from Franklin, La. and Jillian Johnson, 33, from Lafayette.

Police did not immediately offer a motive.

“The shooter is deceased. We may never know,” Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft said, adding that the man had criminal history that he described as “pretty old.”

Craft told the press conference that the gunman tried to sneak out of the theater with the crowd after the shooting. He was forced back inside by the quick arrival of police, before shooting himself.

“It is apparent that he was intent on shooting and escaping,” he said, noting that Houser’s car, a blue Lincoln Continental, was parked outside the theater near an exit.

Houser was “kind of a drifter” who had moved to Lafayette recently from Phenix City, Alabama, and had no recent criminal record, Craft said.

“We don’t know why he chose to stop and stay in Lafayette.”

Police found disguises, including wigs and glasses in his motel room, he added.

Craft said records indicated that Houser, who is white, had no arrests in the last 10-15 years, but previously had an arson and a misdemeanor arrest, possibly involving the sale of alcohol to a minor.

President Barack Obama, who was traveling to Kenya on Friday, received a briefing about the shooting during a refueling stop in Germany, said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the White House, including the President and First Lady, are with the community of Lafayette, Louisiana, especially the families of those who were killed,” a statement said.

Trainwreck’s actress and writer, comedian Amy Schumer tweeted, “My heart is broken and all my thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Louisiana.”

Mentioned In This Post: