As the United States reels from the second mass shooting in 10 days, reactions have been pouring in from politicians across the country, with most calling for action to tackle the country's epidemic of gun violence.

Texas School Shooting: Second US shooting in 10 days sparks renewed calls for stricter gun laws

On Wednesday, an employee opened fire at a California rail yard, killing eight people and killing himself as law enforcement rushed in, officials said. This marks the latest attack in a year that has seen a sharp rise in mass murders as the US emerges from Coronavirus restrictions.

California Mass Shooting: Rail yard employees shot dead by co-worker, no motive found for attack yet

The Gun Violence Archive says 147 mass shootings have occurred so far in 2021. Their definition of mass shooting is a minimum of four gunshot victims.

Memorial honors victims of 'gun violence epidemic' in US

Officials were still working to determine the identities of the people who died. The three people who were wounded were taken to area hospitals.

Three dead, three wounded in shooting at Wisconsin tavern

At least 16 people were shot at in New York's Rochester in the wee hours of Saturday. The mass shooting happened at a backyard party -- in a residential area in the northeast of the city.&nbsp;

Two of the victims, a man and a woman, have reportedly died.

The Rochester Police Department confirmed the shooting began at around 12:30 am on Saturday and officers received distress calls from an area near Goodman Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

There are reports of multiple fatalities. Details are limited at this time, but there have been several reports of hospitalisations.

“Major crime is on the scene of a mass shooting on Pennsylvania Avenue. There are fatalities,” police said in a brief statement.

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Major Crimes is on the scene of a mass shooting on Pennsylvania Ave. @ there are fatalities. There will be a press briefing @ Goodman &amp; Short St. in about 30 minutes.
— RPD Major Crimes Unit (@RPD_MCU) <a href="https://twitter.com/RPD_MCU/status/1307208073740800001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The police, however, are yet to confirm the exact number of victims, reports claimed.

At least 16 people were shot at in New York's Rochester in the wee hours of Saturday. The mass shooting happened at a backyard party -- in a residential area in the northeast of the city.

At least 16 people were shot at in New York's Rochester in the wee hours of Saturday. The mass shooting happened at a backyard party -- in a residential area in the northeast of the city. Two of the victims, a man and a woman, have reportedly died. The Rochester Police Department confirmed the shooting began at around 12:30 am on Saturday and officers received distress calls from an area near Goodman Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. There are reports of multiple fatalities. Details are limited at this time, but there have been several reports of hospitalisations. “Major crime is on the scene of a mass shooting on Pennsylvania Avenue. There are fatalities,” police said in a brief statement. Major Crimes is on the scene of a mass shooting on Pennsylvania Ave. @ there are fatalities. There will be a press briefing @ Goodman & Short St. in about 30 minutes. — RPD Major Crimes Unit (@RPD_MCU) September 19, 2020 × The police, however, are yet to confirm the exact number of victims, reports claimed.

Two dead, 14 injured in mass shooting in New York's Rochester

Walmart Inc&nbsp;said on Monday there has been no change in its policy on gun sales after two mass shootings over the weekend, including one at a Walmart store, left 31 people dead in Texas and Ohio.

Years of public pressure led Walmart, the largest US arms retailer, to end assault rifle sales in 2015 and in 2018 to raise the minimum age for gun purchases to 21. Some gun control activists and Walmart customers now want the retailer to&nbsp;drop sales of guns and ammunition altogether.

The weekend shooting in Texas unfolded at a popular Walmart store in the border city of El Paso, killing 22 people. In the other weekend mass shooting, in Dayton, Ohio, a gunman killed nine people.

Many people took to social media to post about the deadly shooting using the hashtags #walmartshooting," "#boycottwalmart," and "#guncontrolnow."

Guns Down America, an advocacy group that runs campaigns for gun control, began a petition to urge more change at Walmart late on Monday.

The petition calls on Walmart to stop selling firearms, pledge it will no longer make contributions to lawmakers who take money from gun rights lobby the National Rifle Association, and fund gun buybacks. It also pushes Walmart to use its political influence to advocate for legislative changes to raise the standards for gun ownership in America.&nbsp;

"Federal legislative change will take time, but more and more Americans are dying every day," Igor Volsky, founder and executive director of Guns Down America, told Reuters. "The El Paso shooting happened in their store, they have a responsibility to go further."

It is not the first time that gun-control advocates have signed a petition calling on Walmart to take action. In early 2013, just one month after a gunman in Newtown, Connecticut, shot dead 20 first-graders and six adults at an elementary school, nearly 300,000 people signed a petition urging Walmart to stop selling assault weapons.

It was another two years before Walmart ended such sales.

"A REASON TO BOYCOTT WALMART"

Other gun control activists such as Texas Gun Sense President Ed Scruggs said Walmart, whose stores act as de facto community centres in rural America, could do more to educate children and teenagers on gun safety.

A group called Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America said it has been asking Walmart to stop letting shoppers walk into its stores with guns - even where doing so is permitted by law. Target and Starbucks have policies asking shoppers not to carry firearms in their stores.&nbsp;

On Twitter, one Florida-based user said Walmart needs more security. Another user, from Irvine, California, said Walmart`s statement outlining that it would not change its gun policies in the wake of the two shootings over the weekend was "shocking."

"If this isn`t a reason to boycott Walmart, I don`t know what is!" the user tweeted.

Some celebrities also demanded more action from the retailer.

"Hey @Walmart! This would be a great opportunity for you to take a true leadership position and stop selling guns," actress Alyssa Milano said in response to a Walmart company tweet saying it was "in shock" over the tragic events in Texas.&nbsp;

For now, Walmart`s policies remain unchanged.

A Walmart spokesman on Monday told Reuters the retailer has not made any change in its firearms sales policy after the mass shootings and that it has not issued a directive to any stores around the country to change policy.

"Our focus has always been on being a responsible seller of firearms," spokesman Randy Hargrove said. "We go beyond federal law, requiring all customers to pass a background check before purchasing any firearm."&nbsp;

The retailer`s chief executive, Doug McMillon, offered his support to the community of El Paso and reached out to employees via Instagram on Sunday. "I can`t believe I`m sending a note like this twice in one week," he said, referring to an earlier message he sent after two employees were shot by a co-worker in a store in Mississippi.

Walmart`s gun safety policies are more restrictive than many retailers` even as it trails some of its rivals.

Walmart rivals like Kroger-owned Fred Meyer stopped selling guns and ammunition in 2018 and the same year, Dick`s Sporting Goods ended the sale of assault weapons and raised the minimum age to 21 for gun purchases.&nbsp;

In March 2019, Dick`s also said it would pull guns and ammunition off the shelves of 125 of its 720 store, a decision the company said it took because its gun sales were down due to competition from dedicated gun and hunting stores.

That same month, in a call to discuss earnings, the company`s chief executive, Ed Stack, said lower sales during the quarter were partly driven by lower demand for "anything associated with hunting,"&nbsp; 
including guns, ammunition, firearm accessories and hunting apparel. 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Despite such measures from the larger chains, the sale of guns and assault-style weapons continues unabated.

Outdoor goods chains including Bass Pro Shops, Gander Outdoors and Academy Sports continue to sell assault-style rifles. A proliferation of online retailers like AIM Surplus, Armslist and Brownells also sell firearms that can be easily procured.&nbsp;

Armslist called the shootings "horrific" and said in a statement it is a service that does not directly sell guns, but carries ads and listing for private sales. The other companies did not respond to a request for comment.

Walmart Inc said on Monday there has been no change in its policy on gun sales after two mass shootings over the weekend, including one at a Walmart store, left 31 people dead in Texas and Ohio.

Walmart Inc said on Monday there has been no change in its policy on gun sales after two mass shootings over the weekend, including one at a Walmart store, left 31 people dead in Texas and Ohio. Years of public pressure led Walmart, the largest US arms retailer, to end assault rifle sales in 2015 and in 2018 to raise the minimum age for gun purchases to 21. Some gun control activists and Walmart customers now want the retailer to drop sales of guns and ammunition altogether. The weekend shooting in Texas unfolded at a popular Walmart store in the border city of El Paso, killing 22 people. In the other weekend mass shooting, in Dayton, Ohio, a gunman killed nine people. Many people took to social media to post about the deadly shooting using the hashtags #walmartshooting," "#boycottwalmart," and "#guncontrolnow." Guns Down America, an advocacy group that runs campaigns for gun control, began a petition to urge more change at Walmart late on Monday. The petition calls on Walmart to stop selling firearms, pledge it will no longer make contributions to lawmakers who take money from gun rights lobby the National Rifle Association, and fund gun buybacks. It also pushes Walmart to use its political influence to advocate for legislative changes to raise the standards for gun ownership in America. "Federal legislative change will take time, but more and more Americans are dying every day," Igor Volsky, founder and executive director of Guns Down America, told Reuters. "The El Paso shooting happened in their store, they have a responsibility to go further." It is not the first time that gun-control advocates have signed a petition calling on Walmart to take action. In early 2013, just one month after a gunman in Newtown, Connecticut, shot dead 20 first-graders and six adults at an elementary school, nearly 300,000 people signed a petition urging Walmart to stop selling assault weapons. It was another two years before Walmart ended such sales. "A REASON TO BOYCOTT WALMART" Other gun control activists such as Texas Gun Sense President Ed Scruggs said Walmart, whose stores act as de facto community centres in rural America, could do more to educate children and teenagers on gun safety. A group called Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America said it has been asking Walmart to stop letting shoppers walk into its stores with guns - even where doing so is permitted by law. Target and Starbucks have policies asking shoppers not to carry firearms in their stores. On Twitter, one Florida-based user said Walmart needs more security. Another user, from Irvine, California, said Walmart`s statement outlining that it would not change its gun policies in the wake of the two shootings over the weekend was "shocking." "If this isn`t a reason to boycott Walmart, I don`t know what is!" the user tweeted. Some celebrities also demanded more action from the retailer. "Hey @Walmart! This would be a great opportunity for you to take a true leadership position and stop selling guns," actress Alyssa Milano said in response to a Walmart company tweet saying it was "in shock" over the tragic events in Texas. For now, Walmart`s policies remain unchanged. A Walmart spokesman on Monday told Reuters the retailer has not made any change in its firearms sales policy after the mass shootings and that it has not issued a directive to any stores around the country to change policy. "Our focus has always been on being a responsible seller of firearms," spokesman Randy Hargrove said. "We go beyond federal law, requiring all customers to pass a background check before purchasing any firearm." The retailer`s chief executive, Doug McMillon, offered his support to the community of El Paso and reached out to employees via Instagram on Sunday. "I can`t believe I`m sending a note like this twice in one week," he said, referring to an earlier message he sent after two employees were shot by a co-worker in a store in Mississippi. Walmart`s gun safety policies are more restrictive than many retailers` even as it trails some of its rivals. Walmart rivals like Kroger-owned Fred Meyer stopped selling guns and ammunition in 2018 and the same year, Dick`s Sporting Goods ended the sale of assault weapons and raised the minimum age to 21 for gun purchases. In March 2019, Dick`s also said it would pull guns and ammunition off the shelves of 125 of its 720 store, a decision the company said it took because its gun sales were down due to competition from dedicated gun and hunting stores. That same month, in a call to discuss earnings, the company`s chief executive, Ed Stack, said lower sales during the quarter were partly driven by lower demand for "anything associated with hunting," including guns, ammunition, firearm accessories and hunting apparel. Despite such measures from the larger chains, the sale of guns and assault-style weapons continues unabated. Outdoor goods chains including Bass Pro Shops, Gander Outdoors and Academy Sports continue to sell assault-style rifles. A proliferation of online retailers like AIM Surplus, Armslist and Brownells also sell firearms that can be easily procured. Armslist called the shootings "horrific" and said in a statement it is a service that does not directly sell guns, but carries ads and listing for private sales. The other companies did not respond to a request for comment.

Walmart faces pressure to stop gun sales after latest US mass shootings

Nations must work together to stop lone wolf attackers, who take inspiration from each other, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-blames-russia-for-inf-pact-demise-vows-measured-response-240181&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjb3cb2gO7jAhVp_XMBHWeKDz0QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw18_4lWqQw3eB7zT4p4f_vq">North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's (NATO)</a> secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday, during a visit to a mosque in New Zealand where a gunman killed dozens of people in March.

His comments came as the United States reels from two mass shootings at the weekend that killed 29 people and injured dozens in Texas and Ohio, provoking calls for tighter gun controls and prompting worries over a resurgence of white nationalism and xenophobic politics. 
&nbsp; 
Stoltenberg, making a two-day trip to New Zealand, visited Christchurch, where 51 Muslim worshippers were killed in the attacks on two mosques by a suspected white supremacist.

"These attacks are committed by lone wolves but they are at the same time connected because they use each other as inspiration and they refer to each other in the different manifestos," Stoltenberg told state broadcaster TVNZ.

"It highlights that we have to fight terrorism in many different ways, with many different tools."

The Texas shooter who killed 20 people at a Walmart store expressed support for the Christchurch gunman in his manifesto.

New Zealand authorities have charged Australian Brenton Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, with murder following the attacks. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Society has to stand up for values of freedom, openness and tolerance, Stoltenberg said.

"We see that many of the terrorists are one of us," he said. "They are home-grown, they are coming from our own societies. So this is very much also about addressing the root causes."

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who is due to meet Stoltenberg on Tuesday, said New Zealand would only want to be remembered for the way it rejected the act of violence and hatred.

"This is a global challenge," she told a news conference later in the day.

"Of course we can do what we can to defeat acts of hatred, violence and racism in our own domestic areas. But, as an international community, we should also be united against acts of hatred, violence and terrorism."

Nations must work together to stop lone wolf attackers, who take inspiration from each other, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's (NATO) secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday, during a visit to a mosque in New Zealand where a gunman killed dozens of people in March.

Nations must work together to stop lone wolf attackers, who take inspiration from each other, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's (NATO) secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday, during a visit to a mosque in New Zealand where a gunman killed dozens of people in March. His comments came as the United States reels from two mass shootings at the weekend that killed 29 people and injured dozens in Texas and Ohio, provoking calls for tighter gun controls and prompting worries over a resurgence of white nationalism and xenophobic politics. Stoltenberg, making a two-day trip to New Zealand, visited Christchurch, where 51 Muslim worshippers were killed in the attacks on two mosques by a suspected white supremacist. "These attacks are committed by lone wolves but they are at the same time connected because they use each other as inspiration and they refer to each other in the different manifestos," Stoltenberg told state broadcaster TVNZ. "It highlights that we have to fight terrorism in many different ways, with many different tools." The Texas shooter who killed 20 people at a Walmart store expressed support for the Christchurch gunman in his manifesto. New Zealand authorities have charged Australian Brenton Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, with murder following the attacks. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Society has to stand up for values of freedom, openness and tolerance, Stoltenberg said. "We see that many of the terrorists are one of us," he said. "They are home-grown, they are coming from our own societies. So this is very much also about addressing the root causes." Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who is due to meet Stoltenberg on Tuesday, said New Zealand would only want to be remembered for the way it rejected the act of violence and hatred. "This is a global challenge," she told a news conference later in the day. "Of course we can do what we can to defeat acts of hatred, violence and racism in our own domestic areas. But, as an international community, we should also be united against acts of hatred, violence and terrorism."

In order to stop lone wolf attackers, nations must unite:NATO chief

A gunman armed with an assault rifle killed 20 people Saturday when he opened fire on shoppers at a packed Walmart store in the latest mass shooting in the United States.

As residents of the southern border town of El Paso in Texas tried to absorb the full horror of what is being treated as a potential "hate crime," fresh calls rang out to end the nationwide "epidemic" of gun violence.

It was the second fatal shooting in less than a week at a Walmart store in the US and comes after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-shooting-suspected-gunman-killed-death-toll-rises-to-4-239150">mass shooting in California</a> last weekend.&nbsp;

One suspect was taken into custody while authorities were studying an extremist manifesto purportedly written by the gunman.

Footage shot on camera phones appeared to show multiple bodies lying on the ground in the store's parking lot while El Paso authorities made a desperate appeal for blood donations.&nbsp;

Other footage showed terrified shoppers running out of the store as gunfire echoed.

Two to 82 years&nbsp;

"Twenty innocent people from El Paso have lost their lives," Texas Governor Greg Abbott told a press conference.

"We as a state unite in support of these victims and their family members... We pray that God can be with those who have been harmed in any way and bind up their wounds."

Police chief Greg Allen confirmed that in addition to the 20 confirmed fatalities, there were 26 wounded.

Various news reports said the ages of victims being treated at hospitals ranged from two to 82 years.

Police said that Walmart was "at capacity" at the time of the shooting, with 1,000-3,000 customers inside.

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....Melania and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the great people of Texas.
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After officials initially said three people had been detained, police confirmed that a 21-year-old from Allen, Texas, was the only person in custody.

"Right now we have a manifesto from this individual that indicates to some degree, it has a nexus to potential hate crime," Allen said.

US media named the suspect as 21-year-old Patrick Crusius, who is white.

The "manifesto" purportedly written by Crusius that was circulated online includes passages railing against the "Hispanic invasion" of Texas and the author makes clear that he expected to be killed during his attack.

Witnesses said the gunman appeared to be shooting at random when he opened fire around 10:30 am.

One woman, who gave her name as Vanessa, said she had just pulled into the Walmart parking lot when the shooting began.

"You could hear the pops, one right after another and at that point as I was turning, I saw a lady, seemed she was coming out of Walmart, headed to her car. She had her groceries in her cart and I saw her just fall," she told Fox News.

The witness said the gunman wore black t-shirt, combat trousers and was wearing ear muffs.

"He was just shooting randomly. It wasn't to any particular person. It was any that would cross paths."

Another shopper described how he managed to avoid being hit by hiding along with his mother between two vending machines just outside the store.

"That's where the individual tried to shoot at me, which he missed cause I kind of ducked down," Robert Curado told the El Paso Times.

'How you doing, brother'&nbsp;

Video captured by a witness in the parking lot in the immediate aftermath of the shooting showed three people lying motionless on the ground.

One had fallen next to a truck, while two were on the sidewalk outside the store entrance. " Ambulance! Help!" people cried as they rushed to the victims.

"How you doing, brother, how you doing," one man was heard saying on the recording.

A still captured from CCTV showed the gunman carrying what appeared to be an AK-47.

President Donald Trump, who is spending the weekend at his golf club in New Jersey, condemned the "terrible" shooting after being briefed by Attorney General Bill Barr and Abbott.

It has been a particularly bad week for gun violence in the United States.

Two people died and a police officer was wounded Tuesday at a Walmart in Mississippi.

Last Sunday a 19-year-old gunman opened fire at a food festival in northern California, killing three, including two children.

Beto O'Rourke, a former US congressman for El Paso who is now running for president, cut off his campaigning in the wake of the shooting.

"I'm incredibly saddened and it's very hard to think about this. But I tell you El Paso is the strongest place in the world, this community is going to come together," he told supporters.

Elizabeth Warren, a senator who is among the frontrunners for the Democratic party's presidential nomination, said "far too many communities have suffered through tragedies like this already.

"We must act now to end our country's gun violence epidemic," she said. 
Another presidential hopeful Cory Booker said the US had "to end this national nightmare" and "find the moral courage to take action to end this carnage."

A gunman armed with an assault rifle killed 20 people Saturday when he opened fire on shoppers at a packed Walmart store in the latest mass shooting in the United States.

A gunman armed with an assault rifle killed 20 people Saturday when he opened fire on shoppers at a packed Walmart store in the latest mass shooting in the United States. As residents of the southern border town of El Paso in Texas tried to absorb the full horror of what is being treated as a potential "hate crime," fresh calls rang out to end the nationwide "epidemic" of gun violence. It was the second fatal shooting in less than a week at a Walmart store in the US and comes after a mass shooting in California last weekend. One suspect was taken into custody while authorities were studying an extremist manifesto purportedly written by the gunman. Footage shot on camera phones appeared to show multiple bodies lying on the ground in the store's parking lot while El Paso authorities made a desperate appeal for blood donations. Other footage showed terrified shoppers running out of the store as gunfire echoed. Two to 82 years "Twenty innocent people from El Paso have lost their lives," Texas Governor Greg Abbott told a press conference. "We as a state unite in support of these victims and their family members... We pray that God can be with those who have been harmed in any way and bind up their wounds." Police chief Greg Allen confirmed that in addition to the 20 confirmed fatalities, there were 26 wounded. Various news reports said the ages of victims being treated at hospitals ranged from two to 82 years. Police said that Walmart was "at capacity" at the time of the shooting, with 1,000-3,000 customers inside. ....Melania and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the great people of Texas. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2019 × After officials initially said three people had been detained, police confirmed that a 21-year-old from Allen, Texas, was the only person in custody. "Right now we have a manifesto from this individual that indicates to some degree, it has a nexus to potential hate crime," Allen said. US media named the suspect as 21-year-old Patrick Crusius, who is white. The "manifesto" purportedly written by Crusius that was circulated online includes passages railing against the "Hispanic invasion" of Texas and the author makes clear that he expected to be killed during his attack. Witnesses said the gunman appeared to be shooting at random when he opened fire around 10:30 am. One woman, who gave her name as Vanessa, said she had just pulled into the Walmart parking lot when the shooting began. "You could hear the pops, one right after another and at that point as I was turning, I saw a lady, seemed she was coming out of Walmart, headed to her car. She had her groceries in her cart and I saw her just fall," she told Fox News. The witness said the gunman wore black t-shirt, combat trousers and was wearing ear muffs. "He was just shooting randomly. It wasn't to any particular person. It was any that would cross paths." Another shopper described how he managed to avoid being hit by hiding along with his mother between two vending machines just outside the store. "That's where the individual tried to shoot at me, which he missed cause I kind of ducked down," Robert Curado told the El Paso Times. 'How you doing, brother' Video captured by a witness in the parking lot in the immediate aftermath of the shooting showed three people lying motionless on the ground. One had fallen next to a truck, while two were on the sidewalk outside the store entrance. " Ambulance! Help!" people cried as they rushed to the victims. "How you doing, brother, how you doing," one man was heard saying on the recording. A still captured from CCTV showed the gunman carrying what appeared to be an AK-47. President Donald Trump, who is spending the weekend at his golf club in New Jersey, condemned the "terrible" shooting after being briefed by Attorney General Bill Barr and Abbott. It has been a particularly bad week for gun violence in the United States. Two people died and a police officer was wounded Tuesday at a Walmart in Mississippi. Last Sunday a 19-year-old gunman opened fire at a food festival in northern California, killing three, including two children. Beto O'Rourke, a former US congressman for El Paso who is now running for president, cut off his campaigning in the wake of the shooting. "I'm incredibly saddened and it's very hard to think about this. But I tell you El Paso is the strongest place in the world, this community is going to come together," he told supporters. Elizabeth Warren, a senator who is among the frontrunners for the Democratic party's presidential nomination, said "far too many communities have suffered through tragedies like this already. "We must act now to end our country's gun violence epidemic," she said. Another presidential hopeful Cory Booker said the US had "to end this national nightmare" and "find the moral courage to take action to end this carnage."

Gunman kills 20 at Texas Walmart store in US mass shooting

Police in Ohio on Sunday said that nine people have been killed in the second mass shooting in the U.S. in less than 24 hours. Dayton's deputy police chief Matt Carper announced that the suspect was also dead. Watch this video to know more.

Mass shooting in Ohio, 9 casualties reported

Rows of tiny bullet-proof vests hang on clothing racks and "safety defence" lunchboxes adorn the walls. It looks like an apparel store - almost. But the "Back to School Shopping" art installation by the artist WhIsBe is a commentary on U.S. mass school shootings, intended to raise the question: How long before life imitates art?

Artist uses child bulletproof vests and tasers to highlight US mass shooting issue

A disgruntled public utility employee opened fire with a handgun on co-workers at a municipal building in Virginia on Friday afternoon, killing 12 people and wounding at least four before he was fatally shot by police, authorities said.

The mass shooting in the coastal resort of Virginia Beach was the deadliest instance of US gun violence since November 2018, when a dozen people were slain at a Los Angeles-area bar and grill by a gunman who then killed himself.

Virginia Beach Police Chief James Cervera said the suspect in Friday's carnage was armed with a .45-caliber pistol equipped with a "sound suppressor" device and "extended" ammunition magazines he used to reload repeatedly during the attack.

Survivors recounted scenes of pandemonium and fear that erupted as gunshots rang out, and workers scurried frantically for cover.

"We just heard people yelling and screaming to get down," Megan Banton, a public utilities worker, told television station WAVY-TV, recalling that she and co-workers barricaded themselves in their office.

"We put the desk up against the door because we didn't know if they were coming in. We were just hoping that it would be over soon, and then we heard the cops yelling up the steps." &nbsp;

The first victim was shot in a vehicle outside the public works and utilities building at the city municipal centre before the suspect entered that building and "immediately and indiscriminately fired upon all the victims," Cervera said.

The chief said the suspect engaged in a "long-term gun battle" with four police officers who confronted him inside, preventing the gunman from "committing more carnage in that building."

One officer was wounded in the shootout, but his bullet-proof vest saved his life, Cervera said. Authorities said the gunman ultimately was shot by police and was declared dead at a hospital.

'More questions than answers'

Cervera said the suspect was a longtime public utilities employee, and described him as "disgruntled," but declined to say more about what may have precipitated the attack.

"We have more questions than we really have answers," he told reporters about two hours after the shooting.

The shooting was believed to be the deadliest act of workplace gun violence in the United States since February, when a factory worker shot five colleagues to death in Aurora, Illinois, just after he was let go from his job.

Authorities have determined the suspect's identity but are not ready to make the name public, Cervera said.

"We will release his name once," the chief said. "Then he will be forever referred to as 'the suspect,' because our focus now is on the dignity and respect of the victims and their families."

The bloodshed unfolded, according to police, at Building Two of the municipal centre complex, where office space for more than 400 employees houses information technology, public works, planning and utilities departments next door to City Hall.

The complex lies several miles inland from the town's popular seashore, situated on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Southeast Virginia's most populous city has roughly 450,000 year-round residents.

"This is the most devastating day in the history of Virginia Beach," Mayor Bobby Dyer said at a news conference with the police chief. "The people involved are our friends, co-workers, neighbours, colleagues."

Arriving in town a short time after the shooting, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said: "This is just a horrific day."

"Our hearts ache for victims of the senseless violence that has been inflicted on the community," he told a news conference hours later.

In Washington, a White House spokesman said President Donald Trump had been briefed on the shooting and "continues to monitor the situation."

A disgruntled public utility employee opened fire with a handgun on co-workers at a municipal building in Virginia on Friday afternoon, killing 12 people and wounding at least four before he was fatally shot by police, authorities said.

A disgruntled public utility employee opened fire with a handgun on co-workers at a municipal building in Virginia on Friday afternoon, killing 12 people and wounding at least four before he was fatally shot by police, authorities said. The mass shooting in the coastal resort of Virginia Beach was the deadliest instance of US gun violence since November 2018, when a dozen people were slain at a Los Angeles-area bar and grill by a gunman who then killed himself. Virginia Beach Police Chief James Cervera said the suspect in Friday's carnage was armed with a .45-caliber pistol equipped with a "sound suppressor" device and "extended" ammunition magazines he used to reload repeatedly during the attack. Survivors recounted scenes of pandemonium and fear that erupted as gunshots rang out, and workers scurried frantically for cover. "We just heard people yelling and screaming to get down," Megan Banton, a public utilities worker, told television station WAVY-TV, recalling that she and co-workers barricaded themselves in their office. "We put the desk up against the door because we didn't know if they were coming in. We were just hoping that it would be over soon, and then we heard the cops yelling up the steps." The first victim was shot in a vehicle outside the public works and utilities building at the city municipal centre before the suspect entered that building and "immediately and indiscriminately fired upon all the victims," Cervera said. The chief said the suspect engaged in a "long-term gun battle" with four police officers who confronted him inside, preventing the gunman from "committing more carnage in that building." One officer was wounded in the shootout, but his bullet-proof vest saved his life, Cervera said. Authorities said the gunman ultimately was shot by police and was declared dead at a hospital. 'More questions than answers' Cervera said the suspect was a longtime public utilities employee, and described him as "disgruntled," but declined to say more about what may have precipitated the attack. "We have more questions than we really have answers," he told reporters about two hours after the shooting. The shooting was believed to be the deadliest act of workplace gun violence in the United States since February, when a factory worker shot five colleagues to death in Aurora, Illinois, just after he was let go from his job. Authorities have determined the suspect's identity but are not ready to make the name public, Cervera said. "We will release his name once," the chief said. "Then he will be forever referred to as 'the suspect,' because our focus now is on the dignity and respect of the victims and their families." The bloodshed unfolded, according to police, at Building Two of the municipal centre complex, where office space for more than 400 employees houses information technology, public works, planning and utilities departments next door to City Hall. The complex lies several miles inland from the town's popular seashore, situated on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Southeast Virginia's most populous city has roughly 450,000 year-round residents. "This is the most devastating day in the history of Virginia Beach," Mayor Bobby Dyer said at a news conference with the police chief. "The people involved are our friends, co-workers, neighbours, colleagues." Arriving in town a short time after the shooting, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said: "This is just a horrific day." "Our hearts ache for victims of the senseless violence that has been inflicted on the community," he told a news conference hours later. In Washington, a White House spokesman said President Donald Trump had been briefed on the shooting and "continues to monitor the situation."

12 killed in mass shooting at government building in Virginia Beach

At least 12 people were killed and several injured on Friday in a mass shooting at a government building in the US state of Virginia.

11 people killed in mass shooting in US government building

Five people were killed and multiple police officers shot Friday when a gunman opened fire in an industrial area on the outskirts of Chicago, the latest mass shooting to hit the United States.

The shooting took place at approximately 1:28 pm, at a giant manufacturing complex in Aurora, Illinois -- a small suburb 65 kilometres west of central Chicago.

Police said officers engaged in a firefight with the suspect, thought to be an employee before he was shot dead. He was identified as 45-year-old Gary Martin.&nbsp;

Aurora police chief Kristen Ziman said five police officers were shot. Two were airlifted to Chicago-area trauma centres.&nbsp;

"The other officers on the scene located gunshot victims inside the building," Ziman told a news conference, putting the death toll at five people.&nbsp;

Police did not release information on the officers' conditions or identify the victims.

Police said they do not know the motive for the shooting, but witnesses told local media that the gunman was a disgruntled employee.&nbsp;

Witnesses said they locked themselves into nearby buildings as the gunman began firing off rounds.

The aerial TV footage showed dozens of police cars, ambulances and fire trucks at the scene as officers with shields entered the complex.

John Probst, who was in the building as the shooting began but was able to escape, told the local ABC TV affiliate he recognized the gunman as a co-worker.&nbsp;

"What I saw was the guy running down the aisles with a pistol with a laser on it," he said. "We were just scared."

Nancy Caal, an employee of a nearby repair workshop, told the Daily Herald newspaper she and three others had heard numerous emergency sirens, and so "went and shut the front gate and locked all of the doors."&nbsp;

37 mass shootings in 2019&nbsp;

The local school district put campuses on lockdown, but students were released later in the day.&nbsp;

The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police lauded the wounded police officers who "willingly ran into harm's way to protect their fellow citizens and very nearly paid the ultimate price." &nbsp;

The White House said President Donald Trump had been monitoring the situation.&nbsp;

"Great job by law enforcement in Aurora, Illinois. Heartfelt condolences to all of the victims and their families. America is with you!" Trump tweeted.&nbsp;

The shooting comes just a day after the first anniversary of Valentine's Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where a former pupil killed 14 students and three staff.&nbsp;

Nearly 1,200 children lost their lives to gun violence in the year since and there have been 37 mass shootings -- those with at least four victims, not including the assailant -- recorded already in the US this year.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, said Friday's shooting was part of an epidemic of gun violence.&nbsp;

"Tomorrow, the families of the victims will be less than the whole. They join a group that should not exist, and yet continues to grow," Pritzker said.&nbsp;

"There are no words I can offer to lessen the pain."

A coalition of gun control advocacy groups also condemned the shooting, saying it was the 198th mass shooting in the last 10 years.&nbsp;

"This is a horrifying reminder of how hard we have to work to prevent gun violence. Our hearts go out to every family affected by this shooting," Holly Blastic with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, said in a statement.&nbsp;

In a presidential message Thursday to mark the Parkland anniversary, Trump had recommitted to "ensuring the safety of all Americans."

"Let us declare together, as Americans, that we will not rest until our schools are secure and our communities are safe," Trump said.&nbsp;

Five people were killed and multiple police officers shot Friday when a gunman opened fire in an industrial area on the outskirts of Chicago, the latest mass shooting to hit the United States.

Five people were killed and multiple police officers shot Friday when a gunman opened fire in an industrial area on the outskirts of Chicago, the latest mass shooting to hit the United States. The shooting took place at approximately 1:28 pm, at a giant manufacturing complex in Aurora, Illinois -- a small suburb 65 kilometres west of central Chicago. Police said officers engaged in a firefight with the suspect, thought to be an employee before he was shot dead. He was identified as 45-year-old Gary Martin. Aurora police chief Kristen Ziman said five police officers were shot. Two were airlifted to Chicago-area trauma centres. "The other officers on the scene located gunshot victims inside the building," Ziman told a news conference, putting the death toll at five people. Police did not release information on the officers' conditions or identify the victims. Police said they do not know the motive for the shooting, but witnesses told local media that the gunman was a disgruntled employee. Witnesses said they locked themselves into nearby buildings as the gunman began firing off rounds. The aerial TV footage showed dozens of police cars, ambulances and fire trucks at the scene as officers with shields entered the complex. John Probst, who was in the building as the shooting began but was able to escape, told the local ABC TV affiliate he recognized the gunman as a co-worker. "What I saw was the guy running down the aisles with a pistol with a laser on it," he said. "We were just scared." Nancy Caal, an employee of a nearby repair workshop, told the Daily Herald newspaper she and three others had heard numerous emergency sirens, and so "went and shut the front gate and locked all of the doors." 37 mass shootings in 2019 The local school district put campuses on lockdown, but students were released later in the day. The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police lauded the wounded police officers who "willingly ran into harm's way to protect their fellow citizens and very nearly paid the ultimate price." The White House said President Donald Trump had been monitoring the situation. "Great job by law enforcement in Aurora, Illinois. Heartfelt condolences to all of the victims and their families. America is with you!" Trump tweeted. The shooting comes just a day after the first anniversary of Valentine's Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where a former pupil killed 14 students and three staff. Nearly 1,200 children lost their lives to gun violence in the year since and there have been 37 mass shootings -- those with at least four victims, not including the assailant -- recorded already in the US this year. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, said Friday's shooting was part of an epidemic of gun violence. "Tomorrow, the families of the victims will be less than the whole. They join a group that should not exist, and yet continues to grow," Pritzker said. "There are no words I can offer to lessen the pain." A coalition of gun control advocacy groups also condemned the shooting, saying it was the 198th mass shooting in the last 10 years. "This is a horrifying reminder of how hard we have to work to prevent gun violence. Our hearts go out to every family affected by this shooting," Holly Blastic with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, said in a statement. In a presidential message Thursday to mark the Parkland anniversary, Trump had recommitted to "ensuring the safety of all Americans." "Let us declare together, as Americans, that we will not rest until our schools are secure and our communities are safe," Trump said.

Five dead, multiple wounded in US mass shooting: Police

The widow of the gunman behind the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges she aided her husband in planning the attack.

Noor Salman, 30, entered her plea at a hearing in federal court in northern California where she was arrested on Monday in relation to last year&#39;s assault by her husband Omar Mateen.

The wife of Orlando nightclub gunman who killed 49 people in a deadly mass shooting pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges of aiding and abetting her husband in planning the attack.

Noor Salman, 30, was ordered to be detained by a federal court in northern California until her bail hearing on February 1.

Federal prosecutor Roger Handberg argued in a hearing on Tuesday that Salman knew about her husband&#39;s plans for the attack.

Salman&#39;s family claim that she was ignorant of her husband&#39;s intentions and was, in fact, a victim of domestic abuse.

&quot;We believe it is misguided and wrong to prosecute her and that it dishonors the memories of the victims to punish an innocent person,&quot; Linda Moreno, Salman&#39;s attorney, told local media.

If convicted, Salman faces up to life in prison.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Noor Salman early on Monday at her home in California on suspicions that she knew about her husband&#39;s plans to carry out the attack.

The two-count indictment states that Noor Salman, who was arrested Monday in northern California, aided and abetted her husband&#39;s attempt to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation, namely the Islamic State group, AFP reported. The 30-year-old faces charges of obstruction of justice and misleading the authorities investigating the shooting.

Omar Mateen killed 49 people in an attack on Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando last year. He was killed in a shootout with the police. He pled allegiance to the Islamic State in a phone call to the dispatchers.

(With inputs from AFP)

The judge ordered Noor Salman to be detained pending a bail hearing on February 1

The widow of the gunman behind the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges she aided her husband in planning the attack. Noor Salman, 30, entered her plea at a hearing in federal court in northern California where she was arrested on Monday in relation to last year's assault by her husband Omar Mateen. The wife of Orlando nightclub gunman who killed 49 people in a deadly mass shooting pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges of aiding and abetting her husband in planning the attack. Noor Salman, 30, was ordered to be detained by a federal court in northern California until her bail hearing on February 1. Federal prosecutor Roger Handberg argued in a hearing on Tuesday that Salman knew about her husband's plans for the attack. Salman's family claim that she was ignorant of her husband's intentions and was, in fact, a victim of domestic abuse. "We believe it is misguided and wrong to prosecute her and that it dishonors the memories of the victims to punish an innocent person," Linda Moreno, Salman's attorney, told local media. If convicted, Salman faces up to life in prison. The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Noor Salman early on Monday at her home in California on suspicions that she knew about her husband's plans to carry out the attack. The two-count indictment states that Noor Salman, who was arrested Monday in northern California, aided and abetted her husband's attempt to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organisation, namely the Islamic State group, AFP reported. The 30-year-old faces charges of obstruction of justice and misleading the authorities investigating the shooting. Omar Mateen killed 49 people in an attack on Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando last year. He was killed in a shootout with the police. He pled allegiance to the Islamic State in a phone call to the dispatchers. (With inputs from AFP)

Wife of Orlando nightclub shooter pleads not guilty

Federal investigators will on Saturday pursue all angles in determining the motives behind a mass shooting in which an attacker opened fire in a crowded baggage claim area at Florida&#39;s Fort Lauderdale&#39;s airport, killing five people.

Authorities said they had taken decorated Iraq war veteran Esteban Santiago into custody following the shooting and questioned him at length. He was expected to face federal charges, said George Piro, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation&#39;s office in Miami.

Piro said FBI investigators had not ruled out terrorism as a reason for the attack and were reviewing the suspect&#39;s recent movements. &quot;We will be pursuing every angle to try to determine the motive behind this attack,&quot; he said.

Authorities said the attacker retrieved a 9mm semiautomatic handgun from his checked luggage and began firing indiscriminately.

In addition to the five killed, eight people were wounded by gunfire and some three dozen were taken to hospital with bruises or broken bones.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is the second largest in South Florida, serving as an intercontinental gateway.

It resumed cargo flights and general aviation for private small planes at midnight local time. Commercial flights were to resume on Saturday, the airport said on Twitter.

Authorities said Santiago, 26, arrived in Fort Lauderdale shortly before 1 p.m. local time (1800 GMT) on Friday on a connecting flight from Alaska.

Piro said Santiago had turned up at an FBI office in Anchorage in November of last year behaving erratically and was turned over to local police, who took him to a medical facility for a mental health evaluation.

Santiago served from 2007 to 2016 in the Puerto Rico National Guard and Alaska National Guard including a deployment to Iraq from 2010 to 2011, according to the Pentagon.

A private first class and combat engineer, he received half a dozen medals before being transferred to the inactive ready reserve in August last year.

An aunt said he came back from his deployment &quot;a different person&quot;, MSNBC reported.

The attack was the latest in a series of mass shootings that have plagued the United States in recent years, some inspired by Islamist militants, others carried out by loners or the mentally disturbed.

Nearly two months ago a former Southwest Airlines worker killed an employee of the company at Oklahoma City&#39;s airport in what police called a premeditated act.

The deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history took place last June, when a gunman apparently inspired by Islamic State killed 49 people and wounded 53 at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

The suspect is a 26-year-old Iraq war veteran, discharged from his Alaska post last year. His motives are not known

Federal investigators will on Saturday pursue all angles in determining the motives behind a mass shooting in which an attacker opened fire in a crowded baggage claim area at Florida's Fort Lauderdale's airport, killing five people. Authorities said they had taken decorated Iraq war veteran Esteban Santiago into custody following the shooting and questioned him at length. He was expected to face federal charges, said George Piro, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's office in Miami. Piro said FBI investigators had not ruled out terrorism as a reason for the attack and were reviewing the suspect's recent movements. "We will be pursuing every angle to try to determine the motive behind this attack," he said. Authorities said the attacker retrieved a 9mm semiautomatic handgun from his checked luggage and began firing indiscriminately. In addition to the five killed, eight people were wounded by gunfire and some three dozen were taken to hospital with bruises or broken bones. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is the second largest in South Florida, serving as an intercontinental gateway. It resumed cargo flights and general aviation for private small planes at midnight local time. Commercial flights were to resume on Saturday, the airport said on Twitter. Authorities said Santiago, 26, arrived in Fort Lauderdale shortly before 1 p.m. local time (1800 GMT) on Friday on a connecting flight from Alaska. Piro said Santiago had turned up at an FBI office in Anchorage in November of last year behaving erratically and was turned over to local police, who took him to a medical facility for a mental health evaluation. Santiago served from 2007 to 2016 in the Puerto Rico National Guard and Alaska National Guard including a deployment to Iraq from 2010 to 2011, according to the Pentagon. A private first class and combat engineer, he received half a dozen medals before being transferred to the inactive ready reserve in August last year. An aunt said he came back from his deployment "a different person", MSNBC reported. The attack was the latest in a series of mass shootings that have plagued the United States in recent years, some inspired by Islamist militants, others carried out by loners or the mentally disturbed. Nearly two months ago a former Southwest Airlines worker killed an employee of the company at Oklahoma City's airport in what police called a premeditated act. The deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history took place last June, when a gunman apparently inspired by Islamic State killed 49 people and wounded 53 at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. (Reuters)

US: 5 killed in shooting at Florida's Fort Lauderdale airport, attacker taken into custody

Dylann Roof said he killed nine African Americans in a Charleston church because of alleged crimes by black people against whites and expressed support for Adolf Hitler in a taped confession shown Friday at his federal death penalty trial.

There were neither tears nor anger from Roof in the two-hour confession made the day after the shooting, as the then 21-year-old stared straight ahead with his hands in his lap.

&quot;Well, I killed them, I guess,&quot; the self-described white supremacist said with a chuckle, according to The Post and Courier newspaper.

Roof told two FBI agents interrogating him that he deliberately chose &quot;Mother Emanuel,&quot; the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the US South, as the scene of his crime.

&quot;I wasn&#39;t going to go to another church because there could be white people there,&quot; he said, after chuckling when admitting he had committed the carnage, according to local ABC television affiliate WCIV.

When asked if his goal had been to become a martyr, Roof responded: &quot;Yeah, that would be nice, sure.&quot;

The gunman said he was first inspired after reading online about a neighborhood watchman&#39;s 2012 killing of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin that sparked widespread protests and was a catalyst for national outrage over violence blamed on law enforcement against African Americans.

&quot;And then for some reason after I read that, I typed in, for some reason I typed in black on white crime. And ever since then...&quot; Roof said.

&quot;I had to do it because somebody had to do something because black people are killing white people every day. They rape 100 white people a day.&quot;

Roof could not even initially recall how many people he had shot, telling investigators it was just five.

&#39;I support Hitler&#39;

The video marks the first time the public has heard Roof speak at length about the grisly June 17, 2015 attack. Sobs could be heard in the courtroom as the video was shown, local media reported.

Roof had a total of eight ammunition magazines, each loaded with 11 bullets rather than the full 13.

That means the total number of bullets was 88, an abbreviation used by white supremacists to represent the Nazi salute &quot;Heil Hitler.&quot;

&quot;I support Hitler,&quot; Roof said during the confession.

The last magazine, which was found unspent, he said was meant for him.

The FBI made the stunning admission last year that Roof should not have been able to buy the .45 Glock semi-automatic handgun that killed the parishioners, citing a breakdown in the background check system and paperwork confusion.

Before the atrocity, Roof sat with parishioners in a Bible study group at the church.

&quot;I was sitting there thinking about whether I should do it or not,&quot; he said.

He was arrested the next day during a traffic stop in North Carolina, about 250 miles (400 kilometers) north of the site of the shooting in Charleston, South Carolina.

Stone-faced

Roof has not said anything in court since the trial kicked off Wednesday, maintaining a stone-faced demeanor and refusing to lift his eyes from the defense table where he sat. even as photographs of his blood-soaked crime scene were displayed and a survivor called him &quot;evil.&quot;

Roof&#39;s own mother had a heart attack during a survivor&#39;s tearful testimony and had to be hospitalized on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old faces the death penalty if convicted on hate crimes charges over the massacre.&nbsp;

Prosecutors refused to accept his offer to plead guilty to the 33 federal charges against him in exchange for a life sentence. So Roof then entered a not guilty plea.

The accused gunman is also facing state murder charges in South Carolina that could see him sentenced to death. That trial is not due to begin until January 17.

(AFP)

Dylan Roof told two FBI agents interrogating him that he deliberately chose the African Methodist Episcopal church

Dylann Roof said he killed nine African Americans in a Charleston church because of alleged crimes by black people against whites and expressed support for Adolf Hitler in a taped confession shown Friday at his federal death penalty trial. There were neither tears nor anger from Roof in the two-hour confession made the day after the shooting, as the then 21-year-old stared straight ahead with his hands in his lap. "Well, I killed them, I guess," the self-described white supremacist said with a chuckle, according to The Post and Courier newspaper. Roof told two FBI agents interrogating him that he deliberately chose "Mother Emanuel," the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the US South, as the scene of his crime. "I wasn't going to go to another church because there could be white people there," he said, after chuckling when admitting he had committed the carnage, according to local ABC television affiliate WCIV. When asked if his goal had been to become a martyr, Roof responded: "Yeah, that would be nice, sure." The gunman said he was first inspired after reading online about a neighborhood watchman's 2012 killing of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin that sparked widespread protests and was a catalyst for national outrage over violence blamed on law enforcement against African Americans. "And then for some reason after I read that, I typed in, for some reason I typed in black on white crime. And ever since then..." Roof said. "I had to do it because somebody had to do something because black people are killing white people every day. They rape 100 white people a day." Roof could not even initially recall how many people he had shot, telling investigators it was just five. 'I support Hitler' The video marks the first time the public has heard Roof speak at length about the grisly June 17, 2015 attack. Sobs could be heard in the courtroom as the video was shown, local media reported. Roof had a total of eight ammunition magazines, each loaded with 11 bullets rather than the full 13. That means the total number of bullets was 88, an abbreviation used by white supremacists to represent the Nazi salute "Heil Hitler." "I support Hitler," Roof said during the confession. The last magazine, which was found unspent, he said was meant for him. The FBI made the stunning admission last year that Roof should not have been able to buy the .45 Glock semi-automatic handgun that killed the parishioners, citing a breakdown in the background check system and paperwork confusion. Before the atrocity, Roof sat with parishioners in a Bible study group at the church. "I was sitting there thinking about whether I should do it or not," he said. He was arrested the next day during a traffic stop in North Carolina, about 250 miles (400 kilometers) north of the site of the shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. Stone-faced Roof has not said anything in court since the trial kicked off Wednesday, maintaining a stone-faced demeanor and refusing to lift his eyes from the defense table where he sat. even as photographs of his blood-soaked crime scene were displayed and a survivor called him "evil." Roof's own mother had a heart attack during a survivor's tearful testimony and had to be hospitalized on Wednesday. The 22-year-old faces the death penalty if convicted on hate crimes charges over the massacre. Prosecutors refused to accept his offer to plead guilty to the 33 federal charges against him in exchange for a life sentence. So Roof then entered a not guilty plea. The accused gunman is also facing state murder charges in South Carolina that could see him sentenced to death. That trial is not due to begin until January 17. (AFP)

US: Charleston church shooter laughed in taped confessions, said he 'had to do it'

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