Investigators recovered 13 guns linked to the Oregon community college shooter, all of which were purchased legally, a federal official said in a press conference Friday.
Celinez Nunez, the assistant special agent in charge of the Seattle division of the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms And Explosives, said six guns were recovered at Umpqua Community College in the wake of a shooting massacre on Thursday that left 10 dead, including the shooter. Another seven guns were found at the gunman’s residence.
The agency was in the process of tracing each of the weapons, Nunez said, but they identified seven that were purchased by the shooter or family members in the last three years.
“They were all purchased legally, yes,” Nunez said.
Douglas County (Oregon) Sheriff John Hanlin declined to confirm the name of the gunman or the victims, and said the investigation was “very active.” The shooter has been widely reported as 26-year-old Chris Harper Mercer, who was killed after he exchange gunfire with police.
“Again, you will not hear anyone from this law enforcement operation use his name,” Hanlin said, referring to Mercer. “I continue to believe those media and community members that publicize his name will only glorify his horrific actions and eventually this will only serve to inspire future shooters.”