The aftermath

In the end, the Dawson College shooting rampage involved only one gunman - who was shot dead by police - and took the life of one student:

A gunman with a Mohawk haircut and black clothing opened fire inside Montreal's Dawson College on Wednesday, killing one woman and wounding 19 others.

Police had earlier believed there were as many as four gunmen, as shots reportedly continued to be heard.

The 20-year-old female victim died in hospital from her wounds. Five people admitted to Montreal General Hospital remain in critical condition, four are listed in serious condition and two are stable.

"They are all young students, young adults, in their early 20s," Dr. Francoise Chagnon, director of professional services, told CTV Newsnet. Five are male and six female.

CTV's Jed Kahane said police received a call about the shooting just before 1 p.m. EDT. Gunfire erupted at 12:41 and continued for about 30 minutes.

A police officer outside the college saw the gunman enter the building, and police quickly arrived at the scene. The 25-year-old suspect was shot dead as he tried to leave the school.

Police have not identified the shooter, but a spokesman said he was armed with three weapons, likely including a semi-automatic rifle. He was also described as a young resident of Quebec.

This Ottawa Citizen story has much more detail, including an unnerving coincidence:

On the fourth floor, English teacher Paul Serralheiro had just been discussing the nature of evil, and used the example of a gunman attacking the school as an example. When a panicked student returned from the bathroom saying there was a real gunman in the building, Mr. Serralheiro thought she was joking.

Damian P.

Posted by damian at September 14, 2006 07:12 AM