Weapons haul found with Oregon gunman

• 3 October 2015
• From the section US & Canada

The gunman who killed nine people in a shooting rampage at a college in Oregon had 13 weapons, federal agents said.

Dressed in a flak jacket, Chris Harper Mercer brought six guns to Umpqua Community College in Roseburg and opened fire on Thursday morning.

He was killed by police in a gun battle and another seven weapons were found at his home. All 13 were bought legally.

Police have released the names of the victims, who ranged in age from 18 to 67. The oldest was a teacher.

President Obama reiterated his anger at gun violence at a press conference on Friday, calling on the public to press their politicians to support reform.

“You’ve got to be a single issue voter on this, because that’s what happening on the other side,” he said, referring to the National Rifle Association’s lobbying power.

The NRA has “had a good start”, Mr Obama said. “They’re effective but don’t represent the American people.”

Mercer enlisted in the army in 2008, but he was discharged after spending less than a month in basic training, for reasons unknown.

It’s unclear why he carried out the killings. Two victims have said religion was an issue – the gunman asked his victims to state their religion and shot dead the Christians.

His father, Ian Mercer, said he was “just as shocked as everybody” by his son’s actions.

Twenty-four hours after a 26-year-old gunman went on a ruthless shooting spree, the college is cordoned off by police tape, a “pray for Rosebury” sign up against the fence.

Just 200 metres up the road at Del Ray Cafe, local residents are heartbroken by the tragedy.

“This is a close-knit community. We have a group of professors from the college for breakfast every Friday. They were in shock this morning. Everyone is devastated,” the manager said.

Customer Victor Moffett, 82, wired the electrics in the science building – where some of the victims lost their lives – 30 years ago.

“It’s terrible. A neighbour called me yesterday saying her friend’s daughter had been shot in the leg. She was really upset. I never thought I’d see something like that where I live,” he said.

Another local couple in their 60s, who wished to remain anonymous, were visibly angry and accused President Obama of exploiting the issue. “That doesn’t work here. It’s too bad they couldn’t get him as soon as he fired the first shot,” the man said.

In an online profile appearing to belong to the gunman, he listed hobbies including the internet and “killing zombies”, described his politics as “conservative, Republican” and said he was spiritual but not religious.

His social media profiles also suggested he was fascinated by the Irish Republican Army and took a keen interest in other mass shootings.

“The more people you kill, the more you’re in the limelight,” he said in one post, referring to Vester Flanagan, who shot and killed two journalists during a live broadcast in Virginia in the summer.

Local police in Douglas, Oregon, have refused to say the gunman’s name because they say it will only encourage others.

Army vet ‘hero’ in Oregon shooting – the man that tried to stop the attack

US gun violence in numbers – Shootings have become increasingly commonplace.

What we know about Chris Harper Mercer – The alleged gunman reportedly supported the IRA.

Oregon shooting: The ‘4chan’ thread – Did the gunman give a warning on the Internet?

Suspect’s father speaks out – Ian Mercer says he is shocked and appealed for privacy.