(Image Source: Reno Gazette-Journal)
BY ADAM FALK
Five people are dead after a shooting at a Nevada IHOP. Police say a mentally-ill gunman -- reportedly carrying an AK-47 -- killed 4 people before taking his own life. ABC has more.
“Witnesses say the gunmen pulled up at the International House of Pancakes around 9 am and started shooting while he was still in the parking lot. ‘All I heard was about a heavy eight seconds of automatic gunfire. Just saw people running. I heard another burst go off, and then I was just get the hell out of there.”
The suspect, who died of self-inflicted gunshot wounds, has been identified as Eduardo Sencion. Of the 4 he killed, 3 were members of the national guard. Although Sencion’s motives are unclear, witnesses say he shot everyone sitting at the table where guard members were having a meeting.
The New York Times reports...
“Mr. Sencion’s family has indicated that he had a history of mental illness, according to the Carson City Sheriff’s Department. However, Mr. Secion did not have any prior criminal history, nor did he have any known affiliation with the military or with anyone inside the restaurant. But he shot every one of the Guard members inside.”
The timing is hard to ignore. Just days away from the anniversary of 9/11, the shooting raised questions of terrorism. However, a special agent for the FBI says...
MIKE WEST: “At this time, we see no nexus to terrorism in this event.” (ABC)
Surrounding businesses, including a local BBQ and an H&R Block, both say they heard or saw the incident. Ralph Swagler, the owner of the nearby BBQ says he saw the man walk from the parking lot, reload and enter the IHOP.
He tells the Reno Gazette-Journal...
“I had my pistol; I wasn’t going up against an automatic rifle. … I'm sorry. I wish I would have shot him in the back now as he was going toward IHOP, but I wasn’t clear on the situation.”
Details are still coming out from the event. However Tuesday night, hundreds gathered for a vigil to remember those who lost their lives.
“As darkness fell, hundreds gathered at the Nevada state veteran’s memorial for a candlelight vigil. People sang patriotic songs, prayed for the dead, the wounded and the families of those lost, including Sencion.” (KTVN)
Transcript by Newsy.
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