Lafayette, Louisiana movie theater shooter reportedly from Alabama

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July 24, 2015

LAFAYETTE, La. — Three years after James Holmes shot and killed 12 people in a movie theater in Colorado, a similar tragedy has happened much closer to home. 59-year-old John Russell Houser, a “drifter” previously from Phenix City, Alabama, who had reportedly been living around Lafayette since early this month began shooting those around him in the Grand 16 Theater approximately 20 minutes into the showing of the movie “Trainwreck.” Houser killed two and injured nine others before turning the gun on himself.

The victims were identified as 21-year-old Macy Breaux and 33-year-old Jillian Johnson.

According to authorities, the gunman initially attempted to escape by blending into the crowd, but turned back when he saw the police heading toward him. They heard one final shot from inside and found him dead of a self-inflicted wound.

Louisiana Governor and presidential hopeful Bobby Jindal (R) was soon on the scene, where he shared the stories of heroism already unfolding in the shadow of the tragedy.

Jindal told reporters a teacher who was in the theater jumped in front of a second teacher, saving her from the shooter. The second teacher then pulled a fire alarm to warn other moviegoers, he said.

“Her friend literally jumped over her and, by her account, actually saved her life,” said Jindal.

“This is an awful night for Lafayette,” the governor continued at a news conference later that night. “This is an awful night for Louisiana. This is an awful night for the United States. But we will get through this.”

The gunman was reportedly estranged from his family, and had been living in a Motel 6 in Lafayette where officials found masks, wigs, and other “disguises.” Police say there were no indications of what drove him to the heinous act.

This story may be updated as more details emerge.