Gunman is shot and killed outside offices of Colorado governor

[razors edge]

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070716/NEWS03/70716033

ASSOCIATED PRESS

DENVER — A man carrying a gun and declaring “I am the emperor” was shot and killed today outside the offices of Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter by a security officer, a spokesman said. Ritter was not injured.

The unidentified man refused orders to drop his gun, spokesman Evan Dreyer said. Four or five shots were heard, but authorities would not say how many times the security officer fired.

The man did not fire his weapon, police spokesman Sonny Jackson said.

Before he was shot, the gunman said, “I am the emperor and I’m here to take over state government,” Dreyer said.

The shooting occurred in a hall outside the governor’s offices on the first floor of the Capitol. Dreyer said Ritter was in the Capitol at the time but would not say where.

“The governor is fine,” Dreyer said. “Everybody is a bit rattled.”

[Botany]

1. Security did it's job .... poor guy was nuttier than a fruitcake

What a pity all the way around.

[razors edge]

2. Reincarnation of Emperor Norton? n/t

[Ian David]

3. GOV. RITTER STATEMENT ON TODAY’S INCIDENT

OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MONDAY, JULY 16, 2007

Contact:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370

GOV. RITTER STATEMENT ON TODAY’S INCIDENT

Gov. Ritter issued the following statement regarding today’s shooting at the state Capitol:

“There was a shooting on the first floor of the Capitol this afternoon in the hallway area outside of my office. I was in my office interviewing a judicial candidate and heard what sounded like gunshots.

“We are very mindful of the visitors who come to this building and the people who work here, and we’re doing all we can to take care of them.

“When there is an incident like this, there will always be a discussion about security. In our democracy, there is a constant tension between security and openness. This is the people’s building.

“There will be heightened security in the building for the remainder of the week while we have discussions about how we maintain that balance. It will be a prudent and thoughtful discussion and it will include leadership in the legislature.

“This is a safe building. I encourage people to keep visiting the Capitol. This is their building.”

The Capitol will re-open to the public and employees tomorrow morning. Access will be limited to the South Entrance at 14th and Sherman. Magnetometers will be in place at that entrance.

http://www.colorado.gov/governor/press/july07/state-capitol-shooting-incident.html