The lives of two women have been cut short after a second cinema shooting took place in Lafayette, Louisiana, on 23 July.
Jillian Johnson, 33, and Mayci Breaux, 21, were fatally shot during an evening screening of Trainwreck. The shooting left three dead, including gunman John Russell Houser, and nine injured.
It is understood that Houser, 58, opened fire on the theatre’s 100 occupants shortly before 8.30pm. Houser then took his own life when police arrived.
In an interview with ABC News, Emily Mann, a survivor seated in the same row as the shooter, described the event as terrifying.
“After hearing the first gunshot, I dropped to the ground pretty quickly … I turned my head slightly and saw that he was standing behind me. I saw the lights from the gun and heard the noises so I just tried to get out as quick as I could.”
Mann said the attacker’s hand was shaky as he fired at “easy targets” in the crowd.
Investigators are still uncovering information about Houser, and his motive has not yet been released. They have, however, described Houser as “mentally disturbed”, with a long history of violent behaviour.
In 1989, he was indicted for hiring someone to burn down an attorney’s office; the judge on the case then ordered Houser to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. In 2008, his family filed a protective order against him, accusing him of domestic violence. Later that year, he was treated for mental illness at an Alabama facility.
So far, police have discovered plans made by Houser that target the Grand 16 Theatre. Houser had planned the movie and screening time where the shooting would take place.
It has also come to light that Houser, even with a long history of mental illness, was able to legally purchase the 40-calibre handgun he used in the attack.
Houser’s easy access to the firearm has raised more concern about gun control, with many Americans, including President Barack Obama, calling for tighter laws.
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal said in a speech that every state “should strengthen their laws” and “make sure” individuals’ background information is reported in the system. “This man should never have been able to buy a gun.”
This is the second cinema shooting the United States has seen in the last three years. In 2012, James Eagan Holmes killed 12 and injured 90 at a midnight screening of Batman in Colorado.