Of necessity a very short diary: Arkansas Democratic Chairman Bill Gwatney was shot today at the state Democratic Party headquarters in Little Rock. Gwatney was taken from the scene by ambulance. His condition is unknown. (As noted in updates below, Mr. Gwatney is now confirmed dead).
Police gave chase to a suspect apparently fleeing the scene, and there are reports they shot the suspect. The suspect's identity and condition are unknown. (As noted in the updates below, the suspected shooter is now also confirmed dead).
Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama on the shooting: "I was shocked and saddened to hear about the tragedy in Arkansas. We're all grateful for the quick action of law enforcement and quick thinking by Chairman Gwatney's staff, and Michelle and I are keeping him and his family in our prayers."
DNC Chair Howard Dean: "This senseless tragedy comes as a shock to all of us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chairman Gwatney and his family and we pray for his full and speedy recovery. While the investigation of this shooting continues, and our primary concern remains with Bill and his family, we commend the courageous and speedy action of law enforcement officials in apprehending the suspect."
CAVEAT: There are LOTS of unconfirmed rumors flying around, but at this point the ONLY confirmed information is that Mr. Gwatney has been shot, apparently multiple times, and has now passed away. A suspect has apparently been shot and killed following a car chase by local police.
UPDATE: According to a report from the Associated press, the shooter is described as a white male, in his forties. According to one witness, the man shot Gwatney three times. No motive is presently known for the shooting.
UPDATE 2: CNN reports Gwatney is in critical condition.
UPDATE 3: State police spokesman confirms Gwatney is in critical condition. Suspect is reported to be in custody.
UPDATE 4: Post on KTHV blog reports rumor that Bill Gwatney has died. There is NO CONFIRMATION.
UPDATE 5: KTHV reports Gwatney was shot "multiple times in the upper torso."
UPDATE 6: A live feed from near the shooting scene from KATV Little Rock is availble here. Reporters have mentioned a 1:30 CDT press conference possibly being scheduled. (Further update: feed appears to be down now).
UPDATE 7: State police spokesman says suspect was airlifted to hospital. No word on rumors shooter has died.
UPDATE 8: KATV Little Rock reports a man brandishing a gun, saying he'd lost his job, was seen at Arkansas State Baptist Convention headquarters near Mr. Gwatney's offices. No confirmation that this is the same person suspected of the shooting.
UPDATE: 9: Karen Ray, executive director of the Republican Party of Arkansas, expresses condolences: "Our hearts go out to everyone at the Democratic headquarters. What a tragedy."
UPDATE 10: KTHV Little Rock reports police have confirmed the suspected shooter, a 51-year-old male whose name has not been released, is dead.
UPDATE 11: Police report on the shooting is now scheduled for 4:00 pm CDT.
UPDATE 12: MSNBC reports suspected shooter was 50-year-old Tim Johnson of Searcy, Arkansas.
UPDATE 13: Little Rock police spokesman confirms Bill Gwatney died at 3:59 pm CDT.
UPDATE 14: LRPD spokesman reports shooter was NOT employed by Bill Gwatney, and there are no indications the shooter knew his victim. LRPD confirms Gwatney died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Police report the suspect had multiple weapons; the murder weapon is believed to have been a handgun, possibly a revolver.
BACKGROUND: Bill Gwatney, a former Arkansas state senator, originally backed Senator Clinton in her quest for the nomination, but became a strong advocate for Senator Obama, encouraging him to set up an Arkansas campaign office and expressing optimism about the Democratic nominee's chances there.
Mr. Gwatney was considered a close ally of Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe. The Arkansas Times reports Beebe returned from a scheduled trip to northwest Arkansas to be with Mr. Gwatney and his family at the University of Arkansas Medical School hospital.
In addition to being state party chairman, Gwatney was the owner of three car dealerships. Gwatney entered the Arkansas legislature in 1993 at age 33, and left 10 years later due to term limits. Mr. Gwatney is survived by his wife and two children.
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FINAL UPDATE: According to local media reports, the shooter, Timothy Dale Johnson, was recently fired from his job at a Target department store after he wrote graffiti on the wall of the store. There is no known connection between the shooter and Mr. Gwatney.
Johnson walked into the Democratic headquarters, claiming he wanted to volunteer and asking to see the chairman. He then pushed his way back to where Gwatney was working and fired three rounds. Doctors at the UAMS hospital fought valiantly for several hours to save Mr. Gwatney's life, but ultimately were unable to do so.
To all who came to this diary for updates and who shared their hopes and prayers for Mr. Gwatney, his family, and yes, even his assailant: I am so sorry that this tragedy ended the way it did.