Colorado Governor Bill Ritter survived an assassination attempt tonight. A would-be assassin in a tuxedo was stopped by the Governor's security detail after firing into the Governor's office in the Colorado State Capitol. Aaron Snyder, 33, was shot and killed by members of the Colorado State Patrol after refusing orders to drop his gun. Before his death, he announced, "I am the emperor, and I'm here to take over state government."
No one but the gunman was shot in the assassination attempt.
More after the jump...
Snyder had rented his tuxedo earlier in the morning. The clerk told reporters he looked sweaty and agitated. Upon his rental he told the clerk, "The emperor is coming."
The shooting happened near 2 p.m., but the body of the gunman remained in the hallway through 6 p.m. Reports listed tourists as still wandering through the area. Gov. Ritter is a former Denver District Attorney. He announced that the investigation would be held by Denver Police.
Gov. Ritter's full statement is here.
Thanks to the Rocky Mountain News and Fox's television affiliate in Denver, who scrolled this news to me during a Simpsons episode and were very thorough online.
On a personal note, this is my first Diary entry for DailyKos. This is the first time I thought, when I saw a story and looked for more information, that I should pass it along and reached for the keyboard. Perhaps it's because today I just finished the last chapter in "The Assault on Reason."
I also wanted to post about this story because I just met the Governor at a reception he hosted for Young Democrats in the Governor's Mansion. He's a very friendly man and was animated and conversant on every issue his audience wanted to discuss. He's passionate about leading environmental reform through the state government, and since he was not harmed he should continue to do an excellent job for Colorado.
P.S. I look forward to meeting everyone at YearlyKos!