Shooting in US Oregon College leaves nine people dead

POLICE have reported that nine people have been killed and seven injured in a shooting at a college in the US state of Oregon.

The attack took place on Thursday October 1, at Umpqua Community College. The gunman, 26, was killed in a police shootout.

There were conflicting reports on casualties but Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin pronounced 10 dead, including the gunman.

The attacker has not been identified but un-named officers have reported that his name is Chris Harper Mercer.

Mr Hanlin stated he that he would not reveal the gunman’s name adding: “I will not give him the credit.”

It is believed that the killer’s motive for the attack was due to his hatred against Christians. A witness reported that when he stormed into the class he asked anyone who was a Christian to “stand up,” and if they did so he shot them in the head. It is believed that anyone who wasn’t a Christian was shot elsewhere ie the leg. The killer had warned of his intentions on social media.

Hours after the attack, in which seven were also injured, a visibly frustrated President Barack Obama demanded tighter gun laws, saying prayers are “no longer enough.”

More than 30,000 people are killed by firearms each year in the US. Thirty people are shot and murdered each day and half of them are between the ages of 18 and 35.