Law enforcement officials in Lafayette, Louisiana, are asking the public for information about an apparent drifter who opened fire in a crowded movie theater. The shooter killed two people, wounded nine and then turned the gun on himself.
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal says it appears that suspect John Russel Houser had not planned to die.
“The gunman’s original plan was to leave the theater alive," Jindal said. "His car was parked at the exit. As he was leaving in the crowd, trying to mingle in the crowd, he saw the law enforcement local police officers, went back inside. That’s when he shot and killed himself.”
Police say the 59-year-old suspect had been living in a nearby motel since early this month. Court records show he had an arrest record for offenses ranging from traffic violations to arson.
