Man shoots dead 2 women then killed by gunfire in Delaware

WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters) - A man stalking one of his victims shot and killed two women waiting to pass through metal detectors at a courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware, on Monday and was then killed himself after an exchange of gunfire with police, officials said.

Two male police officers, aged 42 and 50, were also struck by bullets in the early morning shooting at New Castle County Courthouse but were saved by their bullet-proof vests, Delaware State Police Sergeant Paul Shavack said at a news conference. They were treated in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The gunman, whose age is between 50 and 60, was believed to have been targeting one of the women, Shavack said. He declined to comment on reports that one of the women was the gunman's wife.

"This was not a random shooting," Shavack said.

It took place amid a national debate over gun violence that has gained urgency after December's shooting of schoolchildren in Newtown, Connecticut.

Police said shots rang out shortly after the courthouse opened at 8 a.m. and the two women were struck as they waited to walk through the metal detectors set up for people entering the courthouse through the lobby.

There was an exchange of gunfire with officers stationed at the metal detectors and the assailant was killed. It was unclear whether he took his own life or was shot by police, Shavack said.

Police declined to release any further information about the identity of the gunman or his victims. Authorities were reviewing surveillance tape, 911 calls and interviewing witnesses to determine what happened.

"An exchange of gunfire took place, we have these people shot," Shavack said. "I can't give you details of who shot who."

In a statement, Delaware Governor Jack Markell, said: "Our thoughts and prayers right now are with the victims of this senseless violence and the Capitol Police officers who put their lives on the line to protect the courts and public every day."

(Reporting by Tom Hals, writing by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by G Crosse and Grant McCool)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/police-shoot-kill-gunman-delaware-courthouse-144800794.html

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