Reno hospital shooting draws expressions of shock and sadness
A shooting at the Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno on Tuesday prompted a flurry of Twitter activity from witnesses, journalists and community members that reflected tones of both shock and sadness.
Reports of the shooting appeared shortly after 2 p.m., as officials from Renown Health and the University of Nevada-Reno Police Services used their social media accounts to confirm details of the shooting to the public.
Throughout the day, the accounts were updated with information that included how many were injured or dead, street closures and details of the lockdown at the facility that followed the shootings.
In addition to the official updates, those who were stranded inside the hospital during the lockdown, such as state Sen. Debbie Smith, used their accounts to post live updates.
In the wake of the Arapahoe High School shooting in Colorado, which occurred less than a week earlier, many also took to their Twitter accounts to express their shock and confusion over how another shooting could occur so soon after it.
Some, such as U.S. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval, posted sympathetic tweets for victims and their families.
A sampling of Twitter posts on the shooting:
Active shooter at 1500 E. 2nd.Faculty, staff students shelter in place if at location.— UNR Police Services (@uofnevadapolice) December 17, 2013
There was a shooting in a building on the NE corner of our campus. Police have secured campus. More details as they become available #Renown— Renown Health (@renownhealth) December 17, 2013
Update from Reno Police Lt. Tom Robinson: We can confirm that there are two deceased and two injured. #Renown— Renown Health (@renownhealth) December 17, 2013I’m stuck at Renown due to shooting. No one leaving. Car won’t be moving for a while.— Senator Debbie Smith (@sendebbiesmith) December 17, 2013
Everyone here at Renown is impatient about being on lockdown but I would rather be safe. There are still SWAT members roaming the halls.— Senator Debbie Smith (@sendebbiesmith) December 17, 2013
Witness described the shooter as a white man, dressed casually and “a little bit on the tall side,”— Guy Clifton (@GuyClifton) December 18, 2013
Witness: Receptionists and medical staff began shouting, “He’s got a gun. He’s got a gun. Get out of here. So everyone started to run...”— Guy Clifton (@GuyClifton) December 18, 2013
Witness: “He pointed it at me and then he brandished it at everyone else ... and he said something like, ‘everybody get out of here,’” ...— Guy Clifton (@GuyClifton) December 18, 2013
Sad to say my sister works at where the shootings are in Reno at Renown Hospital. She’s safe and they are still on lockdown. #reno #Renown— Hunter Moreno (@HunterGrayy) December 18, 2013
With each tragedy home looks less & less the same to me. Please send thoughts for healing #renoshooting #Renown ¿¿¿¿— Amanda Gist (@AmandaGist) December 18, 2013
Saddened by tragic shooting at Reno’s Renown Regional Medical Center. My heart goes out to the victims and their families.— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) December 18, 2013
Kathleen & I send our thoughts and prayers to those affected by today’s tragedy @renownhealth. My staff and I are monitoring the situation.— Governor Sandoval (@GovSandoval) December 17, 2013
ALSO:
1 dead, 2 injured in shooting at Reno hospital; gunman kills self
Colorado school shooting: Gunman targeted 5 areas, sheriff says
December snowstorms have some Northeasterners bracing for long winter
Twitter: @saba_h
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