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Police: 3 Dead After Man Opens Fire at Delaware Courthouse

Feb. 11, 2013 9:26am Erica Ritz

Police: 3 Shot at Delaware Courthouse, Man in Custody

Law enforcement officials makes his way around the perimeter outside the New Castle County Courthouse in Wilmington, Del. on Monday Feb. 11, 2013, after three people died Monday morning in a shooting at a courthouse, including the shooter, authorities said. (Photo: AP)

WILMINGTON, Del. (TheBlaze/AP) — A gunman opened fire Monday morning in a Delaware courthouse lobby just as the building was opening to the public for the day, exchanging shots with police and leaving three people – including the shooter – dead, authorities said.

“It happened so fast,” said Jose Beltran, 53, an employee at the New Castle County Courthouse who was entering the lobby when he heard two shots. He said he turned around and heard three or more shots as he ran.

Delaware State Police Sgt. Paul Shavack said the suspected gunman and two women are dead. The city’s mayor said one of the women killed was the shooter’s estranged wife, but Shavack said police had not confirmed that was the case.

Heavily armed police enter the New Castle County Courthouse, Monday morning, Feb. 11, 2013 in Wilmington, Del. (Photo: AP)

Shavack said did not say how the gunman died. He said two police officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

He said the shooting was not random, with the motive still to be determined, and he cautioned against information coming from any other source.

Shavak noted that the gunman opened fire before he passed metal detectors in the lobby.

Chick Chinski, 62, of Middletown said he was entering the courthouse to report for jury duty when he heard popping sounds.

“It didn’t sound like gunfire first at all,” said Chinski, adding that he saw the gunman pointing his weapon.

He said it seemed that the shooter deliberately targeted the two women who were shot as they stood in the middle of the lobby.

People watch investigators gather outside the New Castle County Courthouse in Wilmington, Del. on Monday Feb. 11, 2013. (Photo: AP)

“Absolutely,” he said. “It’s right what he went after when he come in the door. That’s exactly what he did instantly.”

Chinski said that earlier, he shared an elevator with the gunman and others from the parking garage. The gunman was quiet and did not appear agitated, Chinski said.

In the hours after the shooting, dozens of police cars and emergency vehicles were on the streets surrounding the courthouse. Police searched the courthouse room by room as a precaution.

In the wake of the shooting, Delaware Governor Jack Markell released this message: ”Our thoughts and prayers right now are with the victims of this senseless violence and the Capitol Police officers who put their lives on the line to protect the courts and public every day.”

Fox News has more on the story:

The Associated Press contributed to this story. Updates will be added.

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (74)

Saff SGT
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:35am
I guess the DHS Scissors didnt work to well, call the NRA they know how to stop a crook

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- lani59
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 12:00pm
  What about those ‘Gun Free Zone’ signs, did the killer see them and actually ignore them?
  
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- afishfarted
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 12:03pm
  Excellent post.
  
  Report this comment
- YOURSENSEI
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 12:32pm
  This is what you must know:
  
  He didn’t use a gun. He used a video game. and courthouses are crawling with armed cops. Hardly a gun free zone. Why so willfully obtuse?
  
  it is so
  
  Report this comment
- kapnkd
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 12:37pm
  Guess we need a bigger pair of scissors!!!
  
  Report this comment
- progressiveslayer
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 12:53pm
  Sensi This is what you must know.
  
  In gun free zones only police and criminals are armed,at least that’s what the progs tell us.
  
  It is so.
  
  Report this comment
Spitfire1938
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:23am
Janet Napolitano has announced a landmark change of mission and exciting new direction for the DHS. During her official announcement Secretary Napolitano stated that, with the cooperation of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies, her new goal at DHS is to clear illegal aliens, criminals, youth gangs, and suspected terrorist from the streets of America. Permanently!

To achieve this ambitious new goal Napolitano has authorized a massive recruitment drive to hire hundreds of thousands of new DHS Agents. Recruits will receive generous government support and benefits during and after their Basic and Advanced Counter Terrorist/Special Operations Training. Upon graduation, Agents will be equipped with the latest and most advanced weapons systems and support.

Napolitano stated that her ultimate goal is to provide all Americas with the safe threat free environment they require to lead happy, carefree, productive lives.

When asked, Napolitano expressed her complete confidence for the success of this mission because, she enthused, recruitment for new agents will be directed exclusively at illegal aliens, criminals, youth gangs, and suspected terrorist!

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- Saff SGT
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:31am
  well when the shooting starts we will have it easy. We wont have to reconize a uniform to shoot at, just shoot at mexicans, looks, speaking, etc. Why do you think Obama let in 20 million of these people. the 1st armahghetton will be USA
  
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- kapnkd
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 12:36pm
  AHAH!!! ….THIS explains why the DHS has ordered another 26.1 million rounds of ammo to go along with the order of AR’s and other ammo recently purchased a few months back!
  
  What a brilliant move to curtail illegals, gang and drug violence with the attitude “If you can’t lick ‘em, join ‘em” (or in this case – have THEM join you)!!! This will end really well for all of us non progressives. You and I KNOW who the new “terrorism” label will be put on!!
  
  “I can feel it coming in the air tonight”!!!!!!!
  
  Report this comment
American_Idle
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:55am
Throughout the world weapons are being supplied to our enemies so why should it be any different here ?

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Saff SGT
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:55am
This incident is just more proof for folks to get armed USA is starting to be a War zone. Left Wing Communist want to disarm you so Evil can flourish. Stay armed., get armed. join a Militia, join with your neighbors get a defense group to back each other up. Dont stay dormant and let crooks get their way.

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- G-WHIZ
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 1:59pm
  …and there ARE: femacamps, femacoffins and lots of totally-empty fully-built cities in CHINA!! CHINA is starting to build them HERE ALSO!! NoWorries….. !
  
  Report this comment
RaydocX
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:25am
Gun Free Zones strike again!

and the attack was terminated by someone else wielding a firearm, curious, that.
the local courthouse has metal detectors… while one would hope that the on duty security watch for people ‘lurking’ outside the safe zone to do just this sort of thing, the monotony of daily nothingness wears at even solid LEO awareness.

Sad this happened to the victim and innocent passers by, glad the killer was dealt with in a final matter. And angry his illegal act will be used as grist for the ‘guns are bad’ media mill.

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- Saff SGT
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:32am
  Real Americans will not fall for lefty lies, we know the difference and thats all that matters.
  
  Report this comment
- themongoose
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 1:35pm
  problem is do we have enough real Americans left to make a difference?
  
  Report this comment
bigbear_awake
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:05am
http://freedomoutpost.com/2013/02/why-congress-may-lawfully-require-citizens-to-buy-guns-ammunition-but-not-to-submit-to-obamacare/

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- Saff SGT
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:30am
  Ive always know this, its the left Wingers who dont reconize the real truth of the Constitution and Bill of rights. I will always keep my rights as will most real Americans to defend the Constitution and themselves.
  
  Report this comment
Saff SGT
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:59am
Just one NRA memeber with a 9mm or a AR15 could have stopped this jerk

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- Verceofreason
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:36pm
  Right. AFTER HE SHOT 3 PEOPLE.
  
  Report this comment
Saff SGT
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:51am
why didnt these folks have their Janet Napalitano scissors with them>>> why, why??

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- Gonzo
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:56am
  They were in the desk they were hiding under the whole time!
  
  Report this comment
- dnewton
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:19pm
  I would want a big magazine full of scissors before going into action against a gun.
  
  Report this comment
Saff SGT
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:50am
Communist Left Wingers had infringed on Delewares rights to have fire arms Biden and Obama suck

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- Delaware Patriot
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 1:33pm
  I’m from Delaware…And I’ve never had a problem purchasing a firearm. it takes about 15 min for a back ground check and thats it…So far no limits on anything…but we’ll be watching. Delaware is also an open carry state. You may also apply for a concealed carry if you like. However the laws are pretty strict here. Really, the only places you can lawfully protect yourself with a gun are in your home or in your business. If you’re carrying and some criminal comes at you with a knife, you are required to retreat…and God help you if you shoot him and he only has a knife…You WILL go to jail. Hopefully you will be able to prove self defense…but the fact is nonetheless…YOU WILL GO TO JAIL….
  However, Delaware has something good here…It’s called “Truth In Sentencing”…So when you get convicted of a crime here and are sentenced to 10 years (or whatever) you WILL do 10 years. They do allow 30 days off the sentence per year for “good behavior”…
  
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Apple Bite
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:49am
What!?!?! That little sticker out front, with the gun and line drawn over it, didn’t stop that maniac!?! I’m shocked!!

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Saff SGT
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:48am
Biden has disarmed the folks so they cant defend themselves any more

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Saff SGT
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:46am
Left wingers are on the rampage killing folks trying to make decent Tea party fiolks look bad

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AirtechJr
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:46am
Gun Free Zone = Target Rich Environment
IE: No law abiding citizen can shoot back

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BacktotheFounders
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:45am
What !!! Didn’t they have scissors?

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Saff SGT
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:44am
probably a Biden freind trying to bolster Gun confiscation

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Watcher1952
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:42am
The more this economy goes down hill…..the more the government attempts to take over our lives the more you are gonna see this type of behavior…….wait until the food starts running out on the grocery shelfs…….more reason for Barack Hussein Obama will use drones on us

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Whatmeworry-never
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:42am
See not having your concealed gun onyou too and from your car is not safe and the badguys know you are unarmed. Why don’t they just install gun lockers at these areas so you can be safely armed to and fro????

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Tigress1
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:41am
Impossible! As others have already said, courthouses are gun free zones.

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progressiveslayer
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:41am
Clearly whats needed are more unconstitutional ‘gun laws’ that will fix everything.

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jackact
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:40am
Hmmm…
Government employees shot in a federal government building.
So, which gun law is it that will prevent this from happenIng again?
Please, someone educate us ‘little people’.

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Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:39am
These mass shootings are growing by the day, and I have to wonder anymore if it is due to the ever increasing media hype or is the left somehow behind this?

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- momrules
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:49am
  Since Sandy Hook there are increasing high profile gun related shootings and personally I am wondering about them too. Each one represents an argument to the left for gun control and the disarming of Americans.
  
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- AirtechJr
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:49am
  Here is a possible answer:
  
  Ft Hood – Registered Democrat- Muslim
  
  Columbine – Too young to vote – both families were registered democrats and progressive liberals
  
  VA Tech – Wrote hate mail to Pres Bush and to his staff. Registered Democrat
  
  Colorado Theater – Registered Democrat, staff worker on the Obama campaign, occupy wall street participant, progressive liberal
  
  Connecticut School Shooter – Registered Democrat, hated Christians
  
  Common thread is that all of these shooters were progressive liberal democrats.
  
  Report this comment
- Vickie Dhaene
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:52am
  Sadly, I believe these incidents are being orchestrated. This administration keeps poking every body in the chest just waiting for us to respond. Slam …MARTIAL LAW.
  
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- grimmster
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:03am
  Snow,i have to wonder how many shootings like this back in the 80 and 90′s,that never made the news. I dont remember any other than columbine,but my memory lose is pretty severe.This is a tactic of the left, publish nationally any shooting event like this,to scare more people, usually the lefties,to have the demand more laws to “protect” them.It makes me wonder, not to sound like the looney alex jones, that its not obama and the left that are “inspiring” this idiots to go on the rampages……
  
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- AirtechJr
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:04am
  And now this one:
  
  The Obama Ogling Cop Killer Is Using Assault Weapons with High Capacity Mags
  
  Christopher Dorner
  
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- woodyee
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:17am
  Can’t argue against overwhelming evidence – Democrats are a hazard to the well-being of our citizens.
  
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- AirtechJr
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:20am
  And Another Lib wanting to Blow Up a building in San Jose.
  
  Llaneza’s stated goal was to trigger a governmental crackdown, which he expected would trigger a right-wing counter-response against the government followed by, he hoped, civil war,”
  
  Report this comment
mikem1969
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:37am
Far to many shootings going on while the gun debate is hot. Me thinks the government has a hand in this.

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SREGN
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:36am
It’s getting so the gun-free zones just aren’t safe anymore.

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SpankDaMonkey
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:30am
.
I bet the guy is a Democrat…..

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- Zipit
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:40am
  Wilmington? Almost assured!
  
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woodyee
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:28am
False!

Everyone knows that court houses are gun-free zones…

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- ozchambers
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:50am
  Exactly! How is it even possible for someone to be shot in a gun free zone?? This story belongs in some grocery aisle “news” paper right next to the story about a calf born with a human head.
  
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- YOURSENSEI
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 12:54pm
  This is what you must know:
  
  Gun free except for the dozens of armed cops walking around. Think much?
  
  It is so.
  
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- Zipit
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:42pm
  Yes WANGO! Dozens!! Would that be 24,36, 48? Or maybe 1 or 2, or none at all?
  
  Report this comment

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