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Early reports about the mass shooting in Binghamton, New York turned out to be off base. The tragedy, which happened fairly near my home, did not involve multiple shooters, but rather one gunman named Jiverly Voong, a 42 year old local man of Vietnamese origin. There are approximately 13 people dead, some killed by execution style shots to the head, and an unknown number of additional wounded.
No motive has been given, but local officials have scheduled a press conference in the next hour. I happen to know one of the police who reported to the scene and we’ll try to get some more details for you after the first responders have finished securing the area and taking care of the needs of the victims.
UPDATE: 37 survivors in the building, four injured survivors in critical condition at a hospital near my home. Fifteen confirmed dead, including the gunman. The name Jiverly Voong is apparently an alias, but he is from Johnson City, New York and borrowed a vehicle to go to the Civic Association to commit the crimes.
The gunman was apparently laid off from IBM as part of a recent round of resource actions. Investigations are still ongoing and likely will be for some time to come. SWAT teams were in communication via cell phone with people inside the building throughout the event. There will be a candlelight vigil later this evening where we will try to get some more details for you as they become available.