After the shooting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana this morning, state authorities have confirmed that the perpetrator was Missouri man Gavin Long, who was killed after causing the deaths of three police officers and further injuring three more.
Long, who was from Kansas City, was a former Marine who had spent time serving in Iraq, achieving the rank of sergeant. The shooting took place on his 29th birthday.
Although the police originally suggested that there were multiple shooters, they no longer believe this to be the case, and it is believed that Long acted alone. There are currently no other suspects.
Police originally received a call that a masked man dressed in black had been seen walking down a highway armed with an assault rifle. When police arrived at the scene to investigate. Long began shooting.
The police have not identified any of the victims officially, but some are reporting that Officer Montrell Jackson was one of the officers killed.
Barack Obama condemned the shooting, suggesting that there was “no excuse” for violence:
President Obama: “Nothing justifies violence against law enforcement” https://t.co/3QFt2sOH2E #BatonRouge https://t.co/0wkIhpOfhY
— CNN (@CNN) July 17, 2016
It is not known at this point if Long was motivated by the police killing of Louisiana man Alton Sterling. Since the shooting, Baton Rouge officers have received threats.
Source: CNN.
Photo: Getty Images.
