PARAMUS, N.J. — Officials announced that the man suspected of firing several shots inside a northern New Jersey mall was discovered dead in an area of the retail center that was undergoing construction.
During a press conference early Tuesday morning, officials said the reported gunman died of a self-inflicted wound. They also identified him as Richard Shoop, 20, of Teaneck, N.J.
Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli said Shoop had stolen the rifle he used in the shooting from his brother.
Law enforcement officials had swarmed around the mall Monday night after witnesses reported multiple gunshots were fired as stores were preparing to close.
"He came to the mall and fired what is at least six rounds at random striking several different locations," Molinelli said. Panic quickly spread among shoppers and mall employees, he said.
There were no injuries reported aside from Shoop.
In all, more than 500 SWAT and law enforcement officials searched the mall while an estimated 400 people remained trapped inside, Molinelli said.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/11/04/nj-mall-gunman/3439097/
Cliff's notes:
He stole the gun from his brother. It wasn't his.
He didn't shoot anyone else.
He's dead and shot himself.
He wasn't wearing body armor.
There were 500 cops sent to the mall to handle a suicide.
Dude had issues. He "had" to do it (commit suicide) in a public place which is a cry for help/desperation. He could have done it at his home. I think his family or friends probably know more about what was going on in his life. Of course, shooting a gun at a mall is going to have people think "active shooter".