On Friday, February 15, an active shooter situation was ongoing in Aurora, Illinois. 45-year-old Gary Martin has been identified as the suspect who open-fired. Shortly after the shooting, one witness who says he escaped the building claimed that he had recognized the suspect, who was carrying a pistol with a laser sight, as a co-worker.
The suspect was apprehended at 3:00 p.m. local time, according to the City of Aurora on social media.
He was dead following the shooting, though it is unclear if he was killed by gunfire or if he turned the weapon on himself.
Five other victims were deceased, though their identities are yet to be released.
According to another report from Martin’s sister, he had lost his job two weeks ago and was battling with deep depression.
Police responded to the situation with multiple ambulances making their way to the scene, according to reports. SWAT and police were also responding to the water valve manufacturing company, Henry Pratt Company, which is reportedly the biggest of its kind in America. All police command staff left their posts to be present at the scene. Conflicting reports said the incident was at the neighboring Alro Steel.
The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were also on the scene.
Aurora city officials and local hospitals say that multiple victims were transported from the building via ambulance, however, a specific number of victims has yet to be announced. Among the victims were four officers. The four officers who were shot are in stable condition.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
About Henry Pratt Company
Google Maps
Henry Pratt Company is located at 401 S Highland Ave in Aurora, Illinois. The business, which is a subsidiary of Mueller Water Products, Inc. headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is described as “one of North America’s largest manufacturers of valves for the potable water, wastewater, power generation, and industrial markets.”
About Alro Steel
Google Maps
Arlo Steel was founded on June 1, 1948. Alro offers processing options including waterjet, laser, precision sawing, and more, according to the official website.