President calls for change in gun laws after mass shooting kills 10 in Oregon

Investigators have identified the gunman in the Umpqua Community College shooting as 26-year-old Chris Harper-Mercer, of Winchester, Oregon.  The shooter is among the ten killed in the shooting.  Seven people were also injured, when witnesses say Harper-Mercer opened fire.  He reportedly told a classroom to stand up and state their religion before spraying the room with bullets.  Other witnesses say he called to them “come out, come out,” in an attempt to target more victims. 

Investigators have taped off Harper-Mercer’s apartment complex in Winchester. Officers at the scene have be escorting residents to and from their apartments.  His connection to the college and motive for the shooting are under investigation.  Police say they will not release the victims’ names for another 24-48 hours.  Flags in Oregon were ordered at half-staff by the Governor. 

President Obama addressed the nation, and in what was a clear moment of frustration and anger, called on lawmakers and gun owners to support “common-sense” gun control laws.  He lamented the times he has had to address the nation after a mass shooting, saying they are preventable, saying: “As I said just a few months ago, and the time before that, and each time we see one of these mass shootings our thoughts and prayers are not enough…each time this happens, I'm going to bring this up.”

President Obama said he spoke about the need for tougher gun laws just hours before the mass shooting in Lafayette, Louisiana.  Two people were killed and nine injured by a gunman in a movie theater, who then committed suicide.