President Barack Obama has once again expressed his frustration at the American gun culture after 10 people were killed and seven injured in a shooting at a college in the US state of Oregon, say police.
A 20-year-old gunman – believed to be a student of the college – opened fire in a classroom at Umpqua Community College on Thursday morning.
Students at the scene described how the shooter asked people to stand and state their religions before he began firing, according to one eyewitness.
A visibly frustrated President Barack Obama demanded tighter gun laws, saying prayers are “no longer enough”.
Such shootings – and his own response – had become routine, he said, barely concealing his exasperation.
“We are not the only country on Earth that has people with mental illnesses or want to do harm to other people.
“But we are the only advanced country on Earth that sees these mass shootings every few months.”
Referring to a BBC interview in which he talked about this, he said countries like the UK and Australia showed that effective legislation was possible.
There were conflicting reports on the casualty numbers but Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin said the figure of 10 dead was “the best one”.
State Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and other officials earlier said 13 people were dead earlier in the day though that number may have been too high.
“At this time, we are reporting and can confirm 10 fatalities in the shooting,” Douglas County sheriff’s deputies, Sheriff John Hanlin said Wednesday evening.
“This number is the best, most accurate information that we have at this time.”
Students at the scene described how the shooter asked people to stand and state their religions before he began firing, according to one eyewitness.
Sheriff Hanlin said none of the victims’ identities – or that of the shooter – would be released for at least 24 hours.
The motive of the gunman is not known, although police said they were investigating reports that he had warned of his intentions on social media.
Lorie Andrews, who lives opposite the campus, said she heard what sounded like fireworks and when she came out of her home she saw students streaming out.
“One girl came out wrapped in a blanket with blood on her,” she said.
Hannah Miles, 19, said that after hearing gunshots, she and fellow students were locked in a classroom when they heard footsteps.
A man’s voice could be heard from outside the door: “Come on out, come on out.” They ignored it and police eventually rescued them, she said.
In audio from police radio channels an officer can be heard saying the suspect was down and that there were “multiple gunshot wounds” and calling for multiple ambulances to the scene.
The suspect supposedly used a “long gun”.
Students were transported by bus to a local fairground to be reunited with their loved ones.
According to Umpqua Community College’s website, the average age of students is about 38.
