A Louisville banker who opened fire at his workplace, killing five people and wounding eight others, appears to have been fueled by his anger over what he sees as “lax” gun control laws – hoping his rage will prompt lawmakers to enact new measures.
“I’ve decided to make an impact,” Connor Sturgeon, 25, wrote in his journal six days before the April 10 shooting at Old National Bank, according to a recently released police report.
“These people do not deserve to die, but because I am depressed and can afford to buy [guns], they are gone,” he wrote of his show. “Maybe this is the effect for change – the upper class whites are dying.
“I certainly wouldn’t be able to do this if it were harder to get a gun,” Sturgeon continued.
“I know our politicians are only focused on their own pockets, but maybe this will affect them,” he added. “If not, good luck.”
Journal entries Sturgeon made in the days before the shooting detailed how she suffered from persistent depression, and felt inadequate amid national issues such as inflation, climate change and a lack of mental health care.
Connor Sturgeon, 25, was apparently motivated to open fire at the Louisville bank where he worked because of his anger at “lax” gun control laws. LinkedIn
On April 3, for example, he wrote about his “struggle with depression and how he can’t escape it, even though he’s tried for the past year with therapy, medication and other self-care methods,” according to the police report.
Other entries criticize politicians, the National Rifle Association and party politics for gun violence and gun laws that make getting a gun “too easy.”
Kentucky does not have any “red flag” laws, and because Sturgeon has no prior criminal history, she was able to pass a federal background check.
The day before the shooting, Sturgeon marveled at his ability to purchase an AR-15 in a journal entry. Louisville Metro Police Department
Just a day before committing the fatal act, Sturgeon wrote that she “must be very sick” because she was in awe of his ability to purchase an AR-15.
“OH MY GOD THIS IS SO EASY,” he wrote, according to the police report.
“Seriously, I know it can be done, but this is ridiculous. Went in and bought a gun, 4 mags and 120 rounds for $700. Got some glasses and earplugs.
“It’s unbelievable how easy this all is,” he said, claiming he was “a better liar than anyone gave me credit for” and said “good heavens, I just lied to everyone so easily and [no one] trapped.”
Sturgeon also wrote that “the disease won.”
Sturgeon opened fire at the Old National Bank in Louisville on April 10, killing five people and wounding eight others.LMPD Sturgeon was shot and killed by police officers at the scene.LMPD
“But let’s not forget the most important player here. He made all this possible. Let’s give it up for the NRA!!”
“I couldn’t do this without all your lobbying money! You really bring this all together.
“This is the world you’re building,” Sturgeon claimed. “One without regard for the value of human life.”
He had previously written that “something snapped” inside him.
“This is no accident,” Sturgeon said. “I’m sorry I had to lie all week, but this [is] something i need to do.
“It’s all planned, and it’s flawed, but I think it’s going to work.
“I knew I wouldn’t be around to see it, and knowing that made me a coward. But I pray this can send a message to those in power that they cannot be defeated.”
Before the shooting, Sturgeon wrote in her journal that “something snapped” inside her. Louisville Metro Police Department
Sturgeon, who live-streamed her attack on Instagram, was shot and killed by police after she pointed a gun at them during her attack at the Old National Bank.
Also killed in the incident were bank workers Tommy Elliot, 63, Jim Tutt, 64, Josh Barrick, 40, and Juliana Farmer, 57.
Two police officers were among the injured, including one, Nicholas Wilt, 26, who was shot in the head. Wilt had only graduated from the police academy a month earlier.
The victim and surviving family members are now finalizing a lawsuit against Radical Firearms, the company that produced the firearm Sturgeon used, according to the Washington Post.
The shooting victims included Tommy Elliot, 63, Jim Tutt, 64, Josh Barrick, 40, and Juliana Farmer, 57. AFP /AFP via Getty Images
Lawyers for the family said the release of the police report on Tuesday “is an important step for those personally affected by the tragedy as well as the community.
“Our legal team will immediately review this report in detail as we move forward to prepare for civil litigation in this matter,” Thomas Law Offices and Romanucci and Blandin said in a statement to the Washington Post.
“Most importantly, our hearts are with our customers this week as they process these painful reports while many of them have an empty seat at their Thanksgiving table or they reflect on the deep trauma they have experienced this year.”
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
