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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2016/jul/17/baton-rouge-police-officers-shooting-louisiana
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| Baton Rouge: man suspected of killing three police officers 'was former marine' – live updates | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 1.31am BST | |
| 01:31 | |
| More details are emerging from various media outlets about the shooting suspect Gavin Long. | |
| Long served in the Marines for five years, from August 2005 to August 2010, according to a report in the New York Times, citing Yvonne Carlock, the deputy public affairs officer for the US Marines. Long was deployed to Iraq from June 2008 to January 2009, the Times reported. | |
| Reuters reported that public records showed Long had lived in Kansas City and Grandview, Missouri. He had also lived in San Diego and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. | |
| Long was on the University of Alabama dean’s honor list in 2012, school records showed, acording to Reuters. | |
| 1.00am BST | 1.00am BST |
| 01:00 | 01:00 |
| Gunman 'was former marine' | Gunman 'was former marine' |
| Gavin Long, the man named by police as the Baton Rouge shooter, left an online trail which indicated he used the alias “Cosmo Setepenra”, my colleague Jon Swaine reports here. | Gavin Long, the man named by police as the Baton Rouge shooter, left an online trail which indicated he used the alias “Cosmo Setepenra”, my colleague Jon Swaine reports here. |
| It is believed Long was a former US marine who served in Iraq. | It is believed Long was a former US marine who served in Iraq. |
| Jon writes: | Jon writes: |
| An author profile for Cosmo Setepenra described him as a US Marines veteran who reached the rank of sergeant (E-5) . CBS reported on Sunday that Gavin Long was discharged from the marines in 2010 after reaching the same rank. | An author profile for Cosmo Setepenra described him as a US Marines veteran who reached the rank of sergeant (E-5) . CBS reported on Sunday that Gavin Long was discharged from the marines in 2010 after reaching the same rank. |
| A Facebook page in the name of Cosmo Setepenra was taken down late on Sunday afternoon, following the shootings in Louisiana, which left three officers dead and three wounded, one critically. It was unclear why the page was taken down. | A Facebook page in the name of Cosmo Setepenra was taken down late on Sunday afternoon, following the shootings in Louisiana, which left three officers dead and three wounded, one critically. It was unclear why the page was taken down. |
| An image of ‘Cosmo Setepenra’ taken from Facebook. Photograph: Facebook. | An image of ‘Cosmo Setepenra’ taken from Facebook. Photograph: Facebook. |
| A recent posting by the account’s owner had stated: “Violence is not THE answer (it is a answer), but at what point do you stand up so that you and your people dont become the Native Americans...EXTINCT?” | A recent posting by the account’s owner had stated: “Violence is not THE answer (it is a answer), but at what point do you stand up so that you and your people dont become the Native Americans...EXTINCT?” |
| Two photographs posted on the page featured black children holding a piece of paper reading: “JUSTICE FOR ALL THE BLACK AMERICANS. | Two photographs posted on the page featured black children holding a piece of paper reading: “JUSTICE FOR ALL THE BLACK AMERICANS. |
| Read Jon’s full report here: | Read Jon’s full report here: |
| Related: Man identified as Baton Rouge gunman left online trail and an alias | Related: Man identified as Baton Rouge gunman left online trail and an alias |
| 12.48am BST | 12.48am BST |
| 00:48 | 00:48 |
| Law enforcement converge on house in Kansas City – reports | Law enforcement converge on house in Kansas City – reports |
| Armed law enforcement officers have converged on a house in Kansas City, Missouri where it is believed that the shooting suspect, Gavin Long, lived or used to live. | Armed law enforcement officers have converged on a house in Kansas City, Missouri where it is believed that the shooting suspect, Gavin Long, lived or used to live. |
| Some officers had weapons drawn from behind trees at the house listed in Long’s name, Associated Press reported. Other officers took cover behind cars. | Some officers had weapons drawn from behind trees at the house listed in Long’s name, Associated Press reported. Other officers took cover behind cars. |
| A reporter from the Kansas City Star newspaper had earlier knocked at the house and was “met at the door by a man with a long gun who declined to comment”. | A reporter from the Kansas City Star newspaper had earlier knocked at the house and was “met at the door by a man with a long gun who declined to comment”. |
| 10.53pm BST | 10.53pm BST |
| 22:53 | 22:53 |
| Here's where things stand | Here's where things stand |
| Related: Fears in Baton Rouge underscore growing racial tension across US | Related: Fears in Baton Rouge underscore growing racial tension across US |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 11.00pm BST | at 11.00pm BST |
| 10.12pm BST | 10.12pm BST |
| 22:12 | 22:12 |
| Obama: Americans must act to create unity | Obama: Americans must act to create unity |
| Obama says that it falls on Americans to make “the decision to make sure that our best selves are reflected across America, not our worst. That’s up to us.” | Obama says that it falls on Americans to make “the decision to make sure that our best selves are reflected across America, not our worst. That’s up to us.” |
| “We have our divisions, and they are not new. Around the clock news cycles and social media can intensify these divisions,” he says, but adds “is so important that everyone, regardless of race or politics or profession, [that] everyone right now focus on words and actions that can unite this country rather than divide it further.” | “We have our divisions, and they are not new. Around the clock news cycles and social media can intensify these divisions,” he says, but adds “is so important that everyone, regardless of race or politics or profession, [that] everyone right now focus on words and actions that can unite this country rather than divide it further.” |
| “We don’t need inflammatory rhetoric,” he continues. “We need to temper our words and open our hearts. All of us. We need what we saw in Dallas this week, as a community came tother to restore order. | “We don’t need inflammatory rhetoric,” he continues. “We need to temper our words and open our hearts. All of us. We need what we saw in Dallas this week, as a community came tother to restore order. |
| He urges calm and unity at the coming political conventions in Cleveland and Philadelphia, and asks the people planning to attend to temper their rhetoric. | He urges calm and unity at the coming political conventions in Cleveland and Philadelphia, and asks the people planning to attend to temper their rhetoric. |
| “My fellow Americans only we can prove through words and through deeds that we cannot be divided, and we’re going to have to keep on doing it again, and again, and again. … Only we can prove that we have the grace and the character and the common humanity to end this kind of senseless violence.” | “My fellow Americans only we can prove through words and through deeds that we cannot be divided, and we’re going to have to keep on doing it again, and again, and again. … Only we can prove that we have the grace and the character and the common humanity to end this kind of senseless violence.” |
| 10.09pm BST | 10.09pm BST |
| 22:09 | 22:09 |
| Obama: attack was against all US | Obama: attack was against all US |
| Barack Obama is addressing the nation on the attacks. | Barack Obama is addressing the nation on the attacks. |
| “Right now we don’t know the motive of the killer. we don’t know whether the killer set out to target police officers or whether he mowed them down [for another reason].” | “Right now we don’t know the motive of the killer. we don’t know whether the killer set out to target police officers or whether he mowed them down [for another reason].” |
| But the attack, Obama says, “underscores the danger that police across the country confront every single day.” | But the attack, Obama says, “underscores the danger that police across the country confront every single day.” |
| “We as a nation have to be loud and clear that nothing justifies violence against law enforcement,” he continues, adding that attacks on police are “attacks against all of us and the rule of law that makes society possible”. | “We as a nation have to be loud and clear that nothing justifies violence against law enforcement,” he continues, adding that attacks on police are “attacks against all of us and the rule of law that makes society possible”. |
| He says he offered the governor of Louisiana and the mayor of Baton Rogue his full support, and that he spoke with attorney general Loretta Lynch. | He says he offered the governor of Louisiana and the mayor of Baton Rogue his full support, and that he spoke with attorney general Loretta Lynch. |
| “Most of all our hearts go out to the families who are still grieving, our prayers go out to the officer still fighting for his life.” | “Most of all our hearts go out to the families who are still grieving, our prayers go out to the officer still fighting for his life.” |
| “This happens far too often,” he adds. “Whenever this happens, wherever this happens, you feel it.” | “This happens far too often,” he adds. “Whenever this happens, wherever this happens, you feel it.” |
| “Five days ago I traveled to Dallas for the memorial service of the officers who were slain there. I said that that killer would not be the last person who tries to make us turn on each other.” He adds that this killer likely will not be the last either. | “Five days ago I traveled to Dallas for the memorial service of the officers who were slain there. I said that that killer would not be the last person who tries to make us turn on each other.” He adds that this killer likely will not be the last either. |
| “It remains upon us to ensure that they fail.” | “It remains upon us to ensure that they fail.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 10.09pm BST | at 10.09pm BST |
| 10.03pm BST | 10.03pm BST |
| 22:03 | 22:03 |
| Police detain 'persons of interest' | Police detain 'persons of interest' |
| Major Doug Cain has said that although police believe only one gunman killed police, “we are not ready to say he acted alone,” the AP reports. | Major Doug Cain has said that although police believe only one gunman killed police, “we are not ready to say he acted alone,” the AP reports. |
| Cain said that two “persons of interest” had been detained in another town called Addis, which is near Baton Rouge. He provided no more details. | Cain said that two “persons of interest” had been detained in another town called Addis, which is near Baton Rouge. He provided no more details. |
| 9.57pm BST | 9.57pm BST |
| 21:57 | 21:57 |
| Reports: gunman named | Reports: gunman named |
| Local media, CBS, NBC and CNN are all reporting that the gunman was a man named Gavin Long, of Kansas City, Missouri, all citing anonymous law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation. | Local media, CBS, NBC and CNN are all reporting that the gunman was a man named Gavin Long, of Kansas City, Missouri, all citing anonymous law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation. |
| The Guardian could not independently confirm these reports – calls to Louisiana police were not immediately answered – and the state police superintendent explicitly warned that police would not confirm anything that did not come from him or other leaders. | The Guardian could not independently confirm these reports – calls to Louisiana police were not immediately answered – and the state police superintendent explicitly warned that police would not confirm anything that did not come from him or other leaders. |
| “If it does not come from myself, the chief of police, [the US attorney] or the East Baton Rouge sheriff,” colonel Mike Edmonson said, “we cannot confirm it as being factual.” | “If it does not come from myself, the chief of police, [the US attorney] or the East Baton Rouge sheriff,” colonel Mike Edmonson said, “we cannot confirm it as being factual.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.58pm BST | at 9.58pm BST |
| 9.30pm BST | 9.30pm BST |
| 21:30 | 21:30 |
| Briefing summary | Briefing summary |
| The police briefing has ended with no details regarding the identity of the dead gunman or any possible motive for the shooting with police. | The police briefing has ended with no details regarding the identity of the dead gunman or any possible motive for the shooting with police. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.34pm BST | at 9.34pm BST |
| 9.21pm BST | 9.21pm BST |
| 21:21 | 21:21 |
| Governor: this was an unspeakable tragedy | Governor: this was an unspeakable tragedy |
| The governor speaks last. “The hatred just has to stop,” he says. “I wish the command of the English language that I have were adequate to the task to convey the full range of the emotions I am feeling.” | The governor speaks last. “The hatred just has to stop,” he says. “I wish the command of the English language that I have were adequate to the task to convey the full range of the emotions I am feeling.” |
| He says that the tragedy is “unspeakable” that the officers “were taken out the way that they were”. | He says that the tragedy is “unspeakable” that the officers “were taken out the way that they were”. |
| “I want to reassure everyone here in Baton Rouge and around the state that we are doing everything possible to make sure that people are protected.” | “I want to reassure everyone here in Baton Rouge and around the state that we are doing everything possible to make sure that people are protected.” |
| He says that everything will be done to bring “these perpetrators, if there’s more than one, to justice”. He also thanks the president. | He says that everything will be done to bring “these perpetrators, if there’s more than one, to justice”. He also thanks the president. |
| “We have to do better. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. And the people who carried out this attack, these individuals, they do not represent the people of Baton Rouge, or of Louisiana, or of our country. | “We have to do better. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. And the people who carried out this attack, these individuals, they do not represent the people of Baton Rouge, or of Louisiana, or of our country. |
| “There simply is no place for more violence. It doesn’t help anyone, it doesn’t further the conversation, it doesn’t address any injustice perceived or real,” he goes on. “And we are not going to tolerate any more violence.” | “There simply is no place for more violence. It doesn’t help anyone, it doesn’t further the conversation, it doesn’t address any injustice perceived or real,” he goes on. “And we are not going to tolerate any more violence.” |
| He invites people around the US to pray for the officers still in hospitals, to “join with the folks of Louisiana in solidarity” – and to have a “constructive dialogue” with each other. | He invites people around the US to pray for the officers still in hospitals, to “join with the folks of Louisiana in solidarity” – and to have a “constructive dialogue” with each other. |
| None of the officials take questions. | None of the officials take questions. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.24pm BST | at 9.24pm BST |
| 9.17pm BST | 9.17pm BST |
| 21:17 | 21:17 |
| “This is a sad day in Baton Rouge,” mayor Kip Holden says, urging people to “let peace prevail”. | “This is a sad day in Baton Rouge,” mayor Kip Holden says, urging people to “let peace prevail”. |
| “The president has acknowledged this violence and will reiterate those things. The people that you see here today, let me say unequivocally … The president has responded to the needs of Baton Rouge. Not only that, the agencies you see here have always been partners with the state police, the sheriff’s office and the city police. | “The president has acknowledged this violence and will reiterate those things. The people that you see here today, let me say unequivocally … The president has responded to the needs of Baton Rouge. Not only that, the agencies you see here have always been partners with the state police, the sheriff’s office and the city police. |
| “We are one family, all seeking justice for all of our people. So let me thank the president and Ms Jarrett for the calls we got.” | “We are one family, all seeking justice for all of our people. So let me thank the president and Ms Jarrett for the calls we got.” |
| He concludes by vowing to serve the families of the officers killed, and by thanking those officers. | He concludes by vowing to serve the families of the officers killed, and by thanking those officers. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.25pm BST | at 9.25pm BST |
| 9.15pm BST | 9.15pm BST |
| 21:15 | 21:15 |
| “We’ll get through this as a family, we’ll get through this as a community,” Dabidie continues, holding back tears. “This is not going to tarnish this city or this department. We are going to move forward.” | “We’ll get through this as a family, we’ll get through this as a community,” Dabidie continues, holding back tears. “This is not going to tarnish this city or this department. We are going to move forward.” |
| US attorney Walt Green then says that “all federal law enforcement assets that are needed will be given to this investigation.” | US attorney Walt Green then says that “all federal law enforcement assets that are needed will be given to this investigation.” |
| “We have agents from the ATF, the FBI as well as the United States marshals office as well as from my office assisting with the investigation until justice is served.” | “We have agents from the ATF, the FBI as well as the United States marshals office as well as from my office assisting with the investigation until justice is served.” |
| 9.13pm BST | 9.13pm BST |
| 21:13 | 21:13 |
| The sheriff makes an emotional statement: “With God’s help, we will get through this. | The sheriff makes an emotional statement: “With God’s help, we will get through this. |
| “To me this is not so much about gun control as it is about what’s in men’s hearts. And until we come together as a nation, as a people, to heal as a people. If we don’t do that and this madness continues, we will surely perish as a people.” | “To me this is not so much about gun control as it is about what’s in men’s hearts. And until we come together as a nation, as a people, to heal as a people. If we don’t do that and this madness continues, we will surely perish as a people.” |
| Baton Rouge chief Carl Dabidie asks for prayers for the community, saying that the officers killed were all veterans of the force. “This is a united front, make no mistake about that.” | Baton Rouge chief Carl Dabidie asks for prayers for the community, saying that the officers killed were all veterans of the force. “This is a united front, make no mistake about that.” |
| “Public safety remains our priority and we will continue to do our job in the light of what happened.” | “Public safety remains our priority and we will continue to do our job in the light of what happened.” |
| 9.10pm BST | 9.10pm BST |
| 21:10 | 21:10 |
| Police describe timeline | Police describe timeline |
| At about 8.40am, “a guy carrying a weapon, carrying a rifle, [was] walking in that particular area”of the convenience store, Edmonson says. | At about 8.40am, “a guy carrying a weapon, carrying a rifle, [was] walking in that particular area”of the convenience store, Edmonson says. |
| “At approximately 8.40am officers observed an individual wearing all black near a beauty supply store,” he says of the initial report. About two minutes later shots were fired, he says. “At approximately 8.44am reports were received of officers down on the ground. At 8.46am reports were received of a suspect wearing all black standing near the car wash.” | “At approximately 8.40am officers observed an individual wearing all black near a beauty supply store,” he says of the initial report. About two minutes later shots were fired, he says. “At approximately 8.44am reports were received of officers down on the ground. At 8.46am reports were received of a suspect wearing all black standing near the car wash.” |
| “Officers responded, engaged the suspect, and the suspect died at the scene.” | “Officers responded, engaged the suspect, and the suspect died at the scene.” |
| Multiple officers were taken to the hospital. Three died from injuries – two from Baton Rouge police, and one 45 year old sheriff’s deputy. | Multiple officers were taken to the hospital. Three died from injuries – two from Baton Rouge police, and one 45 year old sheriff’s deputy. |
| Two deputies were injured, as was an officer, and one of those three is in critical condition. Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says the community is grieving. “As law enforcement we are a family, and we stand here together, as you can see. But the number one priority is the protection of our community.” | Two deputies were injured, as was an officer, and one of those three is in critical condition. Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says the community is grieving. “As law enforcement we are a family, and we stand here together, as you can see. But the number one priority is the protection of our community.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.26pm BST | at 9.26pm BST |
| 9.06pm BST | 9.06pm BST |
| 21:06 | 21:06 |
| State police: no active shooter in Baton Rouge | State police: no active shooter in Baton Rouge |
| “There is not an active shooter scenario in Baton Rouge, no active scenario that involves a shooter in the city of Baton Rouge,” Edmonson says. | “There is not an active shooter scenario in Baton Rouge, no active scenario that involves a shooter in the city of Baton Rouge,” Edmonson says. |
| “We believe that the person that shot and killed our officers, that he is the person who was shot and killed at the scene.” | “We believe that the person that shot and killed our officers, that he is the person who was shot and killed at the scene.” |
| “We do believe based on information, we have we believe the person who shot and killed our officers he is the person who was shot and killed at the scene.” | “We do believe based on information, we have we believe the person who shot and killed our officers he is the person who was shot and killed at the scene.” |
| He says police “do not believe we have any other shooter holed up”. | He says police “do not believe we have any other shooter holed up”. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.23pm BST | at 9.23pm BST |
| 9.05pm BST | 9.05pm BST |
| 21:05 | 21:05 |
| Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards with state police Colonel Mike Edmonson, the superintendent, then Baton Rouge sheriff Sid Gautreaux. | Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards with state police Colonel Mike Edmonson, the superintendent, then Baton Rouge sheriff Sid Gautreaux. |
| Major Doug Cain says they’re going to provide everything they know. | Major Doug Cain says they’re going to provide everything they know. |
| Edmonson speaks first. “We want and need your prayers, Baton Rouge is in need of your prayers right now.” | Edmonson speaks first. “We want and need your prayers, Baton Rouge is in need of your prayers right now.” |
| He says it is an active investigation, “with a lot of moving parts right now”. | He says it is an active investigation, “with a lot of moving parts right now”. |
| “Let me make something clear right now, you’re getting a lot of information right now, interviewing a lot of people … If it does not come from myself, the chief of polcie … or the East Baton Rouge sheriff … we cannot confirm it as being factual.” | “Let me make something clear right now, you’re getting a lot of information right now, interviewing a lot of people … If it does not come from myself, the chief of polcie … or the East Baton Rouge sheriff … we cannot confirm it as being factual.” |
| He says there’s going to be another press conference on Monday at 1pm local time. | He says there’s going to be another press conference on Monday at 1pm local time. |
| 8.57pm BST | 8.57pm BST |
| 20:57 | 20:57 |
| The city of Baton Rouge is soliciting tips in the investigation as officers continue to search for suspects that they believe are still at large. | The city of Baton Rouge is soliciting tips in the investigation as officers continue to search for suspects that they believe are still at large. |
| 1/2: If you have any tips that may help in our investigation, please contact #BatonRouge Crime Stoppers - call 344-STOP (7867) | 1/2: If you have any tips that may help in our investigation, please contact #BatonRouge Crime Stoppers - call 344-STOP (7867) |
| 2/2: You can also text any tips to #BatonRouge Crime Stoppers by sending "CS225 plus your message" to 274637 (CRIMES) | 2/2: You can also text any tips to #BatonRouge Crime Stoppers by sending "CS225 plus your message" to 274637 (CRIMES) |
| And Steve Hardy, a reporter with the Louisiana paper the Advocate, tweets that there are plans for a vigil this evening in Baton Rouge. | And Steve Hardy, a reporter with the Louisiana paper the Advocate, tweets that there are plans for a vigil this evening in Baton Rouge. |
| St. Amant fire is organizing the first memorial I've heard about - 6 p.m. at the station on Stringer Bridge road. Bring candles. All welcome | St. Amant fire is organizing the first memorial I've heard about - 6 p.m. at the station on Stringer Bridge road. Bring candles. All welcome |