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Louisiana cinema shooting: Lafayette gunman 'had violent past' Louisiana cinema shooting: Lafayette gunman 'had violent past'
(about 2 hours later)
The gunman who killed two people and injured several others at a Louisiana cinema had a history of mental health issues, according to court documents.The gunman who killed two people and injured several others at a Louisiana cinema had a history of mental health issues, according to court documents.
John Houser, 59, fired a dozen rounds from a handgun at a film screening in Lafayette before shooting himself.John Houser, 59, fired a dozen rounds from a handgun at a film screening in Lafayette before shooting himself.
Documents seen by the AP news agency show his family won a protective order against him in 2008 due to "various acts of violence" towards them.Documents seen by the AP news agency show his family won a protective order against him in 2008 due to "various acts of violence" towards them.
His wife, who filed for divorce in March, said he had become "volatile".His wife, who filed for divorce in March, said he had become "volatile".
Hours before the latest US shooting, President Barack Obama told the BBC that gun law reform had been his "greatest frustration".Hours before the latest US shooting, President Barack Obama told the BBC that gun law reform had been his "greatest frustration".
Lafayette police described Houser as a "drifter" from Alabama who had been staying at nearby motel since the beginning of July. Wigs and other disguises were found inside his room.Lafayette police described Houser as a "drifter" from Alabama who had been staying at nearby motel since the beginning of July. Wigs and other disguises were found inside his room.
Police chief Jim Craft said investigators believe he intended to flee rather than take his own life, but the quick police response forced him back into the building.Police chief Jim Craft said investigators believe he intended to flee rather than take his own life, but the quick police response forced him back into the building.
'Danger to himself''Danger to himself'
His motive is unclear but police said they were looking into online posts appearing to have been made by Houser in which he criticised the government and US media.His motive is unclear but police said they were looking into online posts appearing to have been made by Houser in which he criticised the government and US media.
He did have a criminal history but it was "pretty old", Mr Craft added. It is unclear how he obtained his gun. He did have a criminal history but it was "pretty old", Mr Craft added. It is unclear how he obtained his the semi-automatic .40-caliber handgun.
Court documents from 2008 say Houser's family petitioned a court to have him involuntarily committed "because he was a danger to himself and others".Court documents from 2008 say Houser's family petitioned a court to have him involuntarily committed "because he was a danger to himself and others".
The files said Houser's wife, Kellie Maddox Houser, had removed all guns from their marital residence after he "exhibited extreme erratic behaviour" and made "disturbing statements".The files said Houser's wife, Kellie Maddox Houser, had removed all guns from their marital residence after he "exhibited extreme erratic behaviour" and made "disturbing statements".
The judge issued the order and Houser was taken to a hospital in Columbus, Georgia. It is unclear how long he stayed at the institute.The judge issued the order and Houser was taken to a hospital in Columbus, Georgia. It is unclear how long he stayed at the institute.
'Angry man'
A former local television host in Georgia says Houser was a regular guest on his show in the 1990s, describing him as an "angry man" who made "wild accusations".
Calvin Floyd, who hosted a show on WLTZ-TV in Columbus, Georgia, said Houser rallied against women in the workplace and advocated violence against people involved in abortions.
"He was very entertaining. He made for good TV and when it was over, you would leave shaking your head," Mr Floyd told NBC News.
Witnesses said Houser opened fire on cinema-goers about 20 minutes into advertisements before a screening of Trainwreck at the Grand Theatre.Witnesses said Houser opened fire on cinema-goers about 20 minutes into advertisements before a screening of Trainwreck at the Grand Theatre.
The victims were identified by police as 21-year-old Mayci Breaux and 31-year-old Jillian Johnson.The victims were identified by police as 21-year-old Mayci Breaux and 31-year-old Jillian Johnson.
Colleagues at a clothing store in Lafayette where Ms Breaux worked said: "Nothing ever prepares you for a loss... Much less the loss of such an amazing young woman." Colleagues said Ms Breaux was "an amazing young woman" while Ms Johnson's husband described her as a "once-in-a-lifetime gal".
Ms Johnson's husband described her as a "once-in-a-lifetime gal" on the Facebook page of the gift shop they ran in the city.
Nine people were taken to a local hospital with injuries ranging from critical to non-life-threatening. One person remains in critical condition.Nine people were taken to a local hospital with injuries ranging from critical to non-life-threatening. One person remains in critical condition.
About 100 people are thought to have been in the building at the time of the shooting.About 100 people are thought to have been in the building at the time of the shooting.
One witness said she heard a loud bang like a firecracker about 20 minutes into advertisements before the film and saw a man standing up and shooting.
"He wasn't saying anything. I didn't hear anybody screaming either," Katie Domingue told local newspaper The Advertiser.
Heroic acts
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who arrived at the scene late on Thursday night, praised the "selfless heroism" of two wounded teachers.Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who arrived at the scene late on Thursday night, praised the "selfless heroism" of two wounded teachers.
He told reporters that the first teacher threw herself in front of the second to shield her from the bullets.He told reporters that the first teacher threw herself in front of the second to shield her from the bullets.
The second, who was shot in the leg, had the presence of mind to pull the fire alarm to warn others of the danger, Mr Jindal said.The second, who was shot in the leg, had the presence of mind to pull the fire alarm to warn others of the danger, Mr Jindal said.
Mr Jindal, who is also vying for the Republican presidential nomination, said it was not the right time to discuss gun control and that the focus should remain on the victims.Mr Jindal, who is also vying for the Republican presidential nomination, said it was not the right time to discuss gun control and that the focus should remain on the victims.
"We will get through this. We are a resilient community," Mr Jindal said.
US comedian and actress Amy Schumer, who stars in Trainwreck, tweeted: "My heart is broken and all my thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Louisiana."US comedian and actress Amy Schumer, who stars in Trainwreck, tweeted: "My heart is broken and all my thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Louisiana."