Digital News Report- Fourteen people have been confirmed dead after a violent shooting in Binghampton, New York at an immigration services center. Thirty-seven hostages were removed from the building, four of whom are in critical condition. The shooter is presumed to be among the dead. The supposed suspect was found in an office with a self inflicted gun shot wound.
The shooter has been identified as 42-year-old Jiverly Voong. He blocked the back door of the building with his car before he entered the American Civic Association Center through the front door. A receptionist was one of the first people shot in the rampage. She pretended to be dead before crawling under a desk and dialing 911.
President Obama stated that his, “administration is actively monitoring the situation and the vice president is in touch with Governor Paterson and local officials to track developments.” He called the incident an, “act of senseless violence,” and offered his thoughts and prayers to the victims and families.
Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, urged the government to take action. He stated, “about 30,000 people a year in this country die from gun violence, about 80 a day, 32 by homicide… The laws on the books aren’t getting the job done. Now is the time to take effective steps to prevent gun violence.”
New York Governor Paterson expressed concern over the gun violence across the nation. He stated that, “we can’t even keep track” of the growing problem. He called it a “horrible situation” and offered his sympathies.