Don’t read too much into Oregon shooter’s request

A 26-year-old man made a request before shooting students at an Oregon community college: state your religion.

Chris Harper Mercer killed at least nine people before he was killed in a shootout with police at Umpqua Community College in Roseberg, Ore. on Thursday.

The request by the shooter can be taken many ways, but KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson warns people not to read too much into it. One of the Columbine High School shooters, for example, asked similar questions.

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“It doesn’t mean there was any religious connection in any way,” Dori explained. “I just want to caution people: don’t read anything more into that than is there.”

But as of Thursday evening, there wasn’t much more information than the shooter’s age and how students described the scene, including the statement he made before opening fire.

Dori says he is sick of the gun debate that is already heating back up, even in his email inbox. The school has one security officer on duty and that person isn’t armed. Even if that officer was armed &#8212 even if there was more than one armed officer &#8212 it probably wouldn’t have made a difference, Dori says.

“The gun shots lasted for one minute,” Dori explained. “If that armed guard is almost a minute away, it changes absolutely nothing.”

The story line about the shooting will quickly change from what happened to who the shooter is, Dori says. He will either be a lone wolf, or someone connected to something more nefarious. Those stories, whether people like them or not, will happen. However, what really matters are the families involved.

“I keep thinking about those families…who are finding out the worst possible news anyone can endure,” Dori said.

A total of nine people were killed and another seven injured, according to Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin. Three of those injured were in critical condition.