Crime

Update: Man Who Shot 5 National Guard Members Filed for Bankruptcy Prior to Shooting

Ihop Gunman Who Shot 5 National Guard Members Filed for Bankruptcy Prior to ShootingCARSON CITY, Nev. (The Blaze/AP) — A gunman wielding an AK-47 opened fire on a table of uniformed National Guard members at an IHOP restaurant on Tuesday in an outburst of violence that killed four people, wounded eight others and put Nevada’s capital city on high alert as the shooter unloaded his assault rifle in a bustling business district.

The shooter’s motive was unclear, but family members said he had mental issues. He had never been in the military and had no known affiliation with anyone inside the restaurant.

Five Nevada National Guard troops sitting together at the back of the restaurant were shot – two of them fatally. Another woman was also killed, and the gunman, 32-year-old Eduardo Sencion of Carson City, shot himself in the head and died at a hospital.

Witnesses and authorities described a frantic scene, in which the shooter pulled into the large complex of retail stores and shops just before 9 a.m., got out of a blue minivan and immediately shot a man on a motorcycle.

Ralph Swagler said he grabbed his own weapon, but said it was too late to stop the shooter, who charged into the IHOP through the front doors.

“I wish I had shot at him but he was going in the IHOP,” said Swagler, who owns Locals BBQ & Grill. “But when he came at me, when somebody is pointing an automatic weapon at you – you can’t believe the firepower, the kind of rounds coming out of that weapon.”

The gunman went all the way to the back of the restaurant to the back area and opened fire, Carson City Sheriff Kenny Furlong said.

When he left the restaurant, he got back in his vehicle, driving around in circles and shooting into the nearby businesses, shattering the windows of a barbecue restaurant and an H&R Block and a casino across the street.

Officers arrived minutes later and found the suspect and the person who was on the motorcycle wounded and lying in the parking lot. The names of the victims, including two male Guard members who were killed, were not immediately released.

As the attack unfolded, Nevada officials worried about the violence being more widespread. They locked down the state Capitol and Supreme Court buildings for about 40 minutes, and put extra security in place at state and military buildings in northern Nevada.

“There were concerns at the onset, so we took certain steps to ensure we had the capability to embrace an even larger circumstance,” Furlong said. “At this point in time it appears to be isolated to this parking lot.”

As police interviewed dozens of witnesses after the shooting and kept the gathering crowd of media at bay, a body lay on the ground, covered with a white sheet except for the feet, clad in tan boots.

Sencion’s family raised concerns about his mental health in interviews with investigators, Furlong said. Sencion worked at his family’s business in South Lake Tahoe and had no criminal history. The minivan he drove to the shooting was registered to his brother.

The shooting shocked some who knew him, including Joe Laub, his lawyer in a bankruptcy filing in January 2009, who called it an “aberration of his character.”

“He’s a gentle, kind man who was very helpful to friends and family,” Laub told The Associated Press. “I couldn’t venture to guess what would cause him to do something as horrible as this.”

In the bankruptcy filing, Sencion listed more than $42,000 in outstanding debts for a car, several credit cards and some medical expenses. At the time, Sencion reported having $200 spread over three bank accounts and $923 in disability income, mostly from Social Security.

At a Reno hospital, service members gathered, waiting for word on those killed and hurt. A hospital spokesman said four shooting victims were being treated there, but wouldn’t discuss their conditions or provide any other information.

“You go a whole tour in Afghanistan and no one is shot. And you go to IHOP and several are shot,” said 31-year-old Sgt. First Class Cameron Anderson of Reno, a Nevada Army National Guard member. “It’s a shock. I came to work today and had no idea I’d be driving the chaplain here (to the hospital.)”

Another Guard member, 33-year-old Spc. Lee Amato, said he didn‘t know the victims’ names but expected they were people he knew.

“It’s hard to believe something like this would happen to really good people,” Amato said. “It’s like a hole, something taken away. It’s mind-boggling and hard to comprehend.”

The IHOP is about four miles from the Guard’s headquarters complex. Nevada National Guard spokeswoman April Conway said she didn’t know why the five Guard members had met at the IHOP. Conway said she did not believe any of the Guard members at the restaurant were armed.

“Our guards would have no reason to be carrying military weapons here today,” Conway said. “We have no reason to believe that any of them were armed with personal weapons.”

Furlong says they‘re analyzing the shooter’s weapon to determine whether it is automatic or semi-automatic.

Nevada’s capital city of some 50,000 is normally a sleepy town when lawmakers are not in session, a jumping off point 30 miles south of Reno for travelers headed to Lake Tahoe or back to California across the Sierra.

“I don‘t know what’s happening to my city,” Fran Hunter, who works at the Sierra Le Bone pet shop just north of the IHOP, told the Reno Gazette-Journal. “This happens in L.A. or Las Vegas but not here.”

Comments (115)

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  • social-program-how-bout-a-job-instead
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:31pm

    Condolences to the families of the slain,go with God Brothers and Sisters.

    Report Post »  
  • ddg7
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:24pm

    Did the gun he used come from Eric Holders ‘Fast & Furious’ scheme?

    Report Post »  
    • denise55
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:35pm

      I was going to say the same thing.. I’ll bet we never hear a thing about it.

      Report Post » denise55  
    • Gmarko68
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 10:09pm

      Is he a union member?

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 10:27pm

      If the gun did come from Fast and Furious, wanna bet on if you’ll ever hear about it??

      Report Post »  
    • Duck and cover
      Posted on September 7, 2011 at 12:43am

      “Furlong says they‘re analyzing the shooter’s weapon to determine whether it is automatic or semi-automatic.”

      Does this mean they are deciding how to spin this in some way? my money is on a cheap post ban semi auto but you should be able to tell in a few seconds. I highly doubt that winner could mod one to full auto even with all 3 bank accounts and 200 bucks.

      Report Post » Duck and cover  
    • starman70
      Posted on September 7, 2011 at 10:35am

      @ DUCK AND COVER:

      Remember, according to the ******* left in Washington, its the gun, not the lunatic wielding it which is at fault.
      When convicted, a public hanging on the main square of Carson City is in order. A little old fashioned Western Justice would do quite well.

      Meanwhile, my prayers are with those wounded and the families of those killed.

      Report Post »  
  • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:19pm

    My husband came home today and told me that 2/3 of his department were given pink slips. He wasn’t one of them but we know several who did one. This is why you prepare. You never know in this economy how long your job will last.

    There is no excuse to kill innocent people. I can’t imagine how hard this is for young people who have just entered the workforce. I would like to think that that is what your family is for.

    It’s like Beck said today on his radio program. Are you prepared? Are you prepared to take care of others because that is what its about. To get people off the heroinistic drug of entitlements we have to take care of our family and friends otherwise the only place for them to turn is to the government. OR- they may lose it and kill themselves and take as many others as they can with them.

    Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
    • Edct
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:28pm

      Another reason to kick these illegal mex criminals out of the US….wake up America.

      Report Post »  
    • mikenleeds
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:44pm

      sorry to hear that but if we don t get rid of the liberals and the illegals we all are going to be on food stamps

      Report Post » mikenleeds  
  • Talmid of Yeshua
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:11pm

    I see he was on Social Security disability. Just another liberal communist stealing our tax dollars. Too bad innocent people had to die.

    Between this shooter, and the self-described socialist Shayne Riggleman, who went on the shooting spread in West Virginia, the lame stream commie media must be pretty upset. I think we can rule out us white racist tea baggers, it wasn’t one of us, like it never is.

    Both of these news stories will be swept under the rug very quickly, as it doesn‘t push the socialists media’s goals of demonizing conservative whites.

    Had either one of these shooters been a white conservative, we’d be hearing about it for the next 6 months, every single day on the news.

    Report Post » Talmid of Yeshua  
    • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:23pm

      How do you get that Social Security Disability is ripping off taxpayers? Like it or not, we pay into it. I don’t agree with the program, but if the government has taken X amount of dollars from your paycheck for X amount of years- yeah your gonna want it back at some point! NO FAULT IN THAT!

      Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
    • mikenleeds
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:47pm

      why should i have to pay s.s.d. on a criminal? if he s illegals he is a criminal and i should have to pay for any criminal

      Report Post » mikenleeds  
    • booger71
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 11:27pm

      Sencion reported having $200 spread over three bank accounts and $923 in disability income, mostly from Social Security.”

      He is not a citizen. He was born in Mexico, and here on a Mexican Passport. Why was this bum getting my tax dollars.

      Report Post » booger71  
    • America Bless God
      Posted on September 7, 2011 at 7:32am

      Yep. I would like to see SS and SSDI phased out.

      Report Post »  
    • LOTO
      Posted on September 7, 2011 at 9:27am

      Its no problem if they are really disabled. The abuse is abundant. Many people on disability could work and would if push came to shove, and those folks should wait until they are of age to collect on what they paid in. The fakes are giving those truly in need a bad rap.

      Report Post » LOTO  
  • JediPatriot
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:07pm

    WOW! Our soldiers can’t get a break. Killed abroad, killed at home. Our condolences to their families.
    —Salute—

    Report Post » JediPatriot  
  • Talmid of Yeshua
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:05pm

    I said in the original article here on the blaze that it was three possibilities, but the media would blame it on us white racist tea baggers.

    I said it would be:

    1) A muslim
    2) An illegal alien
    3) A pissed off liberal.

    Appears it is a mexican, which I don’t know his legal status. And targeting the armed forces, I‘m going to say he’s a pissed off liberal.

    He did just file for bankruptcy.

    Report Post » Talmid of Yeshua  
    • loriann12
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:13pm

      First thing when I heard about it was he was an illegal alien…since he was at least Hispanic, I have to wonder if he shot the uniformed men because he thought they were border control officers, and he’s not legal…..I didn’t even think Muslim, but I‘m in Texas and haven’t had any trouble with Muslims.

      Report Post »  
    • Vickie Dhaene
      Posted on September 7, 2011 at 12:14pm

      And was told if he did this his family will be well taken care of. Mexican jhadi?

      Report Post »  
    • W@nd@
      Posted on September 7, 2011 at 1:21pm

      How can you file for bankruptcy and be illegal? that is just NUTS!
      How do you qualify for disability and be illegal? How do you own a weapon and be illegal?
      $42000 in debt on whose backs?
      this whole situation is crazy
      the progressives are destroying the country
      everytime they get power
      it is always this kind of thing…
      be careful we do not get a progressive presedential candidate on the repub side or
      it will only be more of the same
      fully vet these candidates yourself
      do not depend on the media to do your work for you!

      Report Post »  
  • Sjah
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:04pm

    There is a reason that the founders wrote “… The right to keep and BEAR shall not be infringed.” what would of happened if every one in that restaurant was exercising those rights. An armed society is a deterrent to crime.
    Carrying a gun seams so out of step with our society today almost no one does it.
    Criminals (and nut jobs) don’t like to go where they know people are armed.

    Report Post » Sjah  
    • JediPatriot
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:12pm

      Great Post.

      Report Post » JediPatriot  
    • beentheredonethatsoiknow
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 10:34pm

      No kidding! Let us take our guns on airplanes, in restaurants, everywhere. Why don’t uniformed members of the military carry their weapons? You’d think we could learn from Ft. Hood. Come on, General!

      Report Post »  
  • TomFerrari
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:03pm

    “Born in Mexico” but “posessed a U.S. passport” according to Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong.

    Has 2 more weapons as well, but not fired during the attack.

    Out of the 8 wounded, 3 had “relatively minor” wounds.
    .
    .
    .

    Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • tmite12
      Posted on September 7, 2011 at 12:51am

      mso I was born in mexico also possess a passport does That make me a criminal, I can’t believe most of the crap im reading here. instead of praying for our brothers that were victims of a horrific tragedy I hear more hate and anger. I can’t believe I served this country four years as a marine and willing to die for you all , so u can judge a mans insanity because of his race. I can’t believe this is the same group of tea party members and friends That I stood with. despite all That hate slured by jimmy hoffa today, can’t ne one put 1&1 together. I will prayer for my brethren and for peace. god knows I’ve seen enough war. but another war has been declared on us. god bless america!

      Report Post »  
    • sierramom3
      Posted on September 8, 2011 at 2:52am

      A US passport in which of his two names? What a sham – why won’t somebody report the possibility that he was ILLEGAL? And stealing our tax dollars.

      Report Post »  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:59pm

    Why didn’t this guy go look for Harry Reid, his senator?
    Reid is the reason he had to file for bankruptcy.
    Not innocents having breakfast……………….

    Rational Man  
    • stormcrow53
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:39pm

      Maybe because somebody’s declaring war on the Tea Party or wanting someone to take them SOBs out or maybe just punishing their enemies. I don’t know.

      Report Post » stormcrow53  
  • texascav
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:54pm

    Tragic and senseless. My prayers go out to all the victims, but not the gunman. It will be interesting to learn more about his background. If the news media will report it truthfully.

    Report Post » texascav  
    • barber2
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:55pm

      Good point: MSM and “if” they will report truthfully : only if it serves their Left agenda. Otherwise it is “ DNR” ( do not report) which seems to be the typical rule in the MSM these days…

      Report Post »  
  • handloader
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:48pm

    If it hasn’t started already, here comes Mayor Bloomturd and the rest of the anti-freedom crew with their calls for gun bans. As you know, it is not the shooter’s fault, it’s the fault of the Tea Party, the NRA, and all law-abiding gun owners. As a great man once said; “From my cold, dead hands!”

    Report Post »  
  • Slayer
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:39pm

    Why did this guy pick soldiers to shoot? Why so soon after Hoffa told people to ‘take them out’?

    Report Post » Slayer  
  • Wigglesworth
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:37pm

    Of course he was on Social Security Disability and was getting paid under the table from his family’s business. This guy was a murderer, a liar and a crook.

    Report Post » Wigglesworth  
    • rangerp
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:48pm

      You nailed it. How many woment in federal housing, getting welfare and foodstamps also have a man living in the house that works?

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • Vickie Dhaene
      Posted on September 7, 2011 at 12:18pm

      Your absolutely right. I might just add that the photo they used looks like a Mug Shot to me.

      Report Post »  
  • Darren
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:37pm

    “Ralph Swagler said he grabbed his own weapon, but said it was too late to stop the shooter, who charged into the IHOP through the front doors.

    “I wish I had shot at him but he was going in the IHOP,” said Swagler, who owns Locals BBQ & Grill. “But when he came at me, when somebody is pointing an automatic weapon at you – you can’t believe the firepower, the kind of rounds coming out of that weapon.””

    Too bad. He could have saved more deaths.

    Report Post » Darren  
    • Mauser KAR98K
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:33pm

      This is why people NEED to train. So what if he had an AK-47. Good shot placement, or even rounds going down range could have saved more people. yes, he might have become the target, but he can shoot back. The unarmed Guardsmen couldn’t.

      Disgraceful.

      Report Post »  
    • godhatesacoward
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:41pm

      If you see a guy walking into an IHOP w/ an automatic weapon (AK-47)& you are packing heat, shoot first, ask questions later.

      Report Post » godhatesacoward  
    • ALISSTER
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:56pm

      Mauser-Yes, people need to train. Not just go to the range every few years. Also, carry the same weapon that you train with.

      Report Post » ALISSTER  
  • NuffSaid
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:35pm

    My condolences to the families of the dead.

    Next time, choose a Denny’s please.

    Report Post »  
    • rangerp
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:47pm

      “$923 in disability income, mostly from Social Security”

      What that means in english, is he is on the system. he is part of the giant lib machine, that gets as many mouths eating from the giant hand. the more that eat, the more power they get. Look at the current prison population, most come from the system.

      The left so badly wants people to think the tea party is the racist violent group. The also know it is a lie. tea party people are the back bone of America. Their sons are the ones fighing in iraq and Afghanistan. they work and pay taxes, they are police, fireman, construction workers, truck drivers, small business owners, teachers, home school moms…..

      The democrats have created a monster, and they are not able to contain it. When the dominos start to fall, and the welfare check does not go out, there is going to be hellishness turned loose on America/

      Report Post » rangerp  
    • Darren
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:54pm

      Ranger;

      “The left so badly wants people to think the tea party is the racist violent group. The also know it is a lie. tea party people are the back bone of America. Their sons are the ones fighing in iraq and Afghanistan. they work and pay taxes, they are police, fireman, construction workers, truck drivers, small business owners, teachers, home school moms…..”

      BINGO!!!

      Report Post » Darren  
  • bigfatslob
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:35pm

    Eduardo Sencion obviously obtained his weapon from the fast and furious program and was making a statement in the name of Reconquista….Viva la Raza !

    Report Post » bigfatslob  
  • Wigglesworth
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:34pm

    Of course he was on Social Security Disability and was paid under the table for working in his family’s business. In addition to being a murderer he was a scam artist stealing money from taxpayers.

    Report Post » Wigglesworth  
  • team1blazer
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:34pm

    A real tragedy. My heartfelt prayers go out for the family members of the victims. Sorry that Ralph Swagler couldn’t get a clean shot off at the assailant before he went into the IHOP. It would have destroyed the gun grabbers if one of us constitutionalists had prevented this tragedy by using his 2nd ammendment rights. Now, they’ll have more ammunition.

    Report Post » team1blazer  
  • Gypsy123
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:30pm

    Demons have been unleashed on the USA because we have turned out backs on GOD

    Report Post » Gypsy123  
    • vennoye
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:43pm

      Agree that turning our backs is part of it……….but I also think that for the liberals that FEAR is a big part of it. Think that the hatrid of the muslims on 9-11-01 really scared them. So, it is easier if we are all the same………income distribution, Chrislim…..all Gods should be honored equally. Go along to get along. TEA PARTY really upset their plans……and they hate them for it. Then, of course, there are the floods, earthquakes, drought, fires, worrying about brown dwarf stars, comets, alien invasions!!!!! No wonder they have mental illnesses!! :-)

      Psalms 34:7 (ASV) The angels of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear (worship) him, And delivereth them.

      Report Post » vennoye  
  • elkslayer
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:29pm

    Man, this is so sad. Unbeliveable. Like most people I ask why? I have a son that on face book said he hates his life. It makes me wonder is he one of these kind of people that would loose it? I just know if he is he won’t do it with any think that I own.

    Report Post » elkslayer  
    • Shasta
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:59pm

      When I was young, I went through patches where I thought I hated life too. I am glad I outlived it. But never in my deepest despair would I have ever taken it out on anyone else. Your son will probably do fine in the long run

      Report Post » Shasta  
    • Viet Vet
      Posted on September 7, 2011 at 3:33pm

      I am so perplexed by this. I can’t even imagine it. Of course it was a different day and age, and I only wish I could live it all again. I absolutely loved my childhood. Talk about a serene, fun, pressureless time in our lives. There weren’t enough hours in the day for all the things we could think of to do. And it was all clean fun too, no hoodlums amongst us, our parents wouldn’t allow it. Things like hunting, shooting gophers, terrorizing the birds with BB guns, sandlot baseball, bicyling, Babe Ruth and Legion baseball, building tree houses and forts, building rubber guns and slingshots, mowing lawns for money, working in the farm fields for money to go to the county fair; to buy .22 shells, BBs, pop, candybars and russian peanuts. On rainy days we‘d get together at someone’s house for Monopoly, Carroms, cards, or some such. Skiing and skating parties in the winter, as well as fox and rabbit hunting. Snowball fights and King on the Hill. I think about the worst thing we ever did was sneak a few of Mom or Dad’s cigarettes and go out somewhere and have a smoke. I never did take up cigarette smoking, but do smoke cigars on occasion. As young adults and adults, we just never did/have stopped having fun with life. A person only gets a flash of a lifetime on this earth and as my Dad used to say, once you’re dead, you’re dead forever. Two other things the folks always said: the world doesn’t owe you a living…and…God helps those who help themselves.

      Report Post »  
  • OneRepublic4us
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:28pm

    Anyone that would shoot an unknown, unarmed person has mental issues. Did his family know he had access to this gun? I wouldn’t lend a vehicle to a family member that I suspect has “mental issues”. Why don’t these people just shoot themselves? If he was having money problems he could have sold that gun and paid off some of his bills.

    Report Post » OneRepublic4us  
    • Windwalker
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:24pm

      It is too easy to assign people like this to having “mental issues”…..it winds up being a stupid legal plea in a U.S. court of law, and they get off all to easily. Call this what it is….EVIL. The Mexican cartel kills people at random and they are not mentally ill. They are greedy, ruthless, Mexicans who don’t give a damn.

      Report Post »  
  • MODEL82A1
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:27pm

    In Harry Reid’s own words and in his own state,’”I don’t know how anyone of Hispanic heritage could be a Republican.” That should put to rest any politicization of this incident……..

    Report Post » MODEL82A1  
    • ddg7
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:27pm

      @Model82A1… Outstanding memory! You are right to use their own words to discredit liberals!

      Report Post »  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:52pm

      Good point, MODEL

      Report Post »  
  • spirited
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:25pm

    Hmmm,
    How long before the GOP is blamed? …..10, 9, 8, 7,….

    >Where is Geroge W these days, anyway?

    Report Post » spirited  
  • Cheetosareus
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:24pm

    What about the woman who was killed. Was she someone’s wife, mother, sister, daughter. The National Guard wasn’t “targeted” any more than she was but she is still just as dead. Her family and friends are grieving also. Don’t forget her.

    Report Post »  
  • On The Bayou
    Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:21pm

    Why is this bean eater still alive

    Report Post » On The Bayou  
    • MODEL82A1
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:30pm

      You are an illiterate bigot.

      Report Post » MODEL82A1  
    • team1blazer
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 8:36pm

      Read first moron

      Report Post » team1blazer  
    • Shasta
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:04pm

      And besides just plain stupid, you are a POS racist and we have no use for you

      Report Post » Shasta  
    • On The Bayou
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:09pm

      Are yall calling me names?????????????

      Report Post » On The Bayou  
    • On The Bayou
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:11pm

      I missed it sorry, sometimes I only watch the vidieos and I jump to conclusions. It`s great that he shot himself.

      Report Post » On The Bayou  
    • On The Bayou
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:24pm

      At least he doesn`t have to worry about bankrutpcy now.

      Report Post » On The Bayou  
    • barber2
      Posted on September 6, 2011 at 9:48pm

      Now go back to playing the Zombie video, you Lefty Jason Levin plant…

      Report Post »  
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