Friday, February 8, 2008

Gunman Kills!


A gunman killed 5 and wounded 2 at City Counsil Meetng at a police station on Thursday. The Gunman was shot to death before he could hurt more people Witnesses identified the gunman as Charles Lee "Cookie" Thornton, a man who they said regularly disrupted meetings to make complaints, though he didn't make it clear what his concerns were (CNN). According to Thornton's brother, Gerald, told Thorton had serious grievances with the St. Louis city government. Before his attack he asked to speak during the public-comment portions of 2006 meetings on specific topics but instead discussed his alleged harassment by city officials. After not being listened to. Charles Thornton took matters in his own hands.

This type of things brings a lot of attention. One thing is gun control. Obviously this man obtained a firearm too easily. He used it irresponsibly and killed innocent people. The laws on guns NEED to be STRICTER!!! Another issue that will be brought up is City Counsel members listening to the public. Elected politicians are meant to listen to those who voted for them. Had the mayor listened this may not have happened. This does NOT excuse Charles Thornton's actions at all. He should not have done what he did. It makes me sick that one thinks the only way to be heard is through a gun! He obviously needed physiological l help

1 comment:

Sean Rakowski said...

I agree with what you had to say here, Devin. It seems this man was a disturbed individual. I would be interested to find out more about his background - I wonder if he had health insurance and had ever been able to get a psychological evaluation? Not only is gun control an issue in our country, but health care is as well - and I believe our system, by neglecting the needs of so many people, probably causes as many deaths each year as guns...
Mr. R