Several Killed in Mass Shooting at Child Care Center

A gunman went on a shooting rampage across several sites and killed Several in the northern Thai city of Nakhon Ratchasima on Saturday night. Early Sunday morning killing at least 27 people and injuring 57 others before turning his gun on himself as authorities moved in for an arrest, according to local reports and officials.

A man who shot dead more than a dozen people in a mass shooting was inspired by a domestic dispute

Originally they believed he did so over political issues as first thought, Thai police said Friday.

The gunman, whose name has not been released, is believed to have been a former soldier who had previously served time for beating his girlfriend, Deputy National Police Chief Somyot Poompanmuang said at an afternoon press conference. “We believe he was angry at his wife,” he said. “There was no political reason behind this incident.”

The suspect opened fire inside the Terminal 21 mall in Nakhon Ratchasima

Shooting others as he made his way through the shopping center, according to Reuters.

The Incident Ending in Several Killed

After the shooting began at around 11:30 a.m. local time (08:30 ET), he made his way through Terminal 21 mall shooting at shoppers before killing himself after being cornered by police officers inside a restroom in front of the children’s clothes section.

Several were killed in a mass shooting at a childcare center. The suspect is not believed to have been part of any terrorist group but was known for mental health issues and previously served time in prison for being involved in illegal weapons possession case involving drug trafficking activities when he lived in Bangkok.

Those Injured

The Governor of Korat said at least 15 people had been injured.

It was the deadliest mass shooting in Thailand in more than a decade.

Until last night, it was the deadliest mass shooting in Thailand in more than a decade.

The last time someone killed more than 20 people was in 2002. That was the same year that Theodore Kaczynski killed 34 at a school in Michigan. Additionally, the last time someone killed more than 10 people was in 1999. That was when Seung-Hui Cho shot and killed 32 people at Virginia Tech.

The attack began at a child care center before moving to other parts of the city, police said.

Footage of the Incident the Several Killed

Local television showed footage of bodies lying on the ground. In one of the crime scenes videos, people appear to be injured being transported from a building by medical workers.

The attack took place at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, where a man in his 20s opened fire with a handgun.

He then moved to other parts of the city and was shot by police after being spotted in an apartment complex.

Man With a Gun

The gunman was a former soldier who had served in the border provinces of Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima. His wife had died by suicide last year, according to local reports.

By Daniel Batalla

Sources:

USA Today- At least 36 killed in mass shooting that began at Thailand child care center, police say By John Bacon

Washington Post- Thai ex-cop attacks day-care center, killing dozens, including 24 children By Rebecca Tan, Annabelle Timsit and Maite Fernández Simon

Rolling Stone- At Least 30 People Killed, Including Over 20 Children, in Mass Shooting at Thailand School By DANIEL KREPS

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