WWNO skyline header graphic
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Local Newscast
Hear the latest from the WWNO/WRKF Newsroom.

Theater Shooting Suspect Denied A Gun Permit

The suspect in the Lafayette movie theater shooting had a criminal record dating back decades. John Russell Houser was denied a concealed weapons permit.

The 59-year-old lived in Phenix City, Alabama, off and on from 2005 until last year.

Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor says Houser’s criminal history blocked his attempt for a permit to carry a gun.

“The reason for the denial was we had the report of domestic violence against him, and in ’89 or ’90 he was arrested for an arson case in Columbus, Georgia," he said.

Taylor says officials received a domestic violence complaint against Houser in 2005, but the victim didn't want to prosecute.

Eileen is a news reporter and producer for WWNO. She researches, reports and produces the local daily news items. Eileen relocated to New Orleans in 2008 after working as a writer and producer with the Associated Press in Washington, D.C. for seven years.

👋 Looks like you could use more news. Sign up for our newsletters.

* indicates required
New Orleans Public Radio News
New Orleans Public Radio Info