An official press conference to address and update on the mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, may finally put to rest some of the inevitable rampant speculation. Reports have between seven and 15 people killed and up to 20 wounded. There are also conflicting reports about whether the shooter is alive, but a radio transmission from the scene included the claim that "suspect is down."
However, from the conflicting reports on the number of dead and wounded to the suspect's identity to just about everything else, we have little solid information. Hopefully this press conference will provide some clarity and quell some of the rumors flying as cable news tries to fill the time.
1:42 PM PT: Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin kicks off. Phone calls reported an active shooter and officers responded, locating the shooter in one of the college buildings and exchanging gunfire. "The shooter threat was neutralized and officers continued to sweep the campus, looking for other threats."
1:43 PM PT: There are confirmed injuries and confirmed fatalities, but he can't confirm anything more, including numbers. On scene are the Oregon state police, local agencies, the FBI, the US marshals, "a lot of support."
1:43 PM PT: The male shooter is deceased, Hanlin confirms.
1:45 PM PT: Hanlin's understanding is that the shooter did fire on police officers, but otherwise he's mostly saying he doesn't know or can't confirm any of the things reporters are asking him about.
1:51 PM PT: Now, at a different location, Gov. Kate Brown is beginning a press conference.
Brown says that the shooter, who she again confirms is dead, was a 20-year-old man.
1:52 PM PT: Well, that was quick. Brown departs to head to Roseburg, turning it over to Oregon State Police Superintendent Richard Evans. It doesn't sound like he's going to part with much more information.
1:54 PM PT: Basically, they have a lot of work to do investigating and helping the victims and families, and they appreciate our patience in waiting for further information. And that's a wrap.