2009 Saipan shootings
spree shooting in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
On November 20, 2009, a spree shooting took place at two locations on Saipan, in the United States commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Four people, including two children were killed, and nine others were injured before the perpetrator, 42-year-old Li Zhongren, killed himself upon police arrival.
Shootings
The first shooting took place at 11:21 a.m. at a shooting range in Kannat Tabla. The gunman opened fire on a group of two men and three children, who were at the range to prepare a birthday party. Eight gunshots were fired using a rifle and shotgun. The two adults, a four-year-old boy, and a 19-month-old girl were killed while a four-year-old girl was injured by a gunshot to the chest. All five were related to each other; the adults were uncle and nephew with their respective children. The family were relatives of the shooting range's former owner, and lived close to the range.
The perpetrator then left the scene in a white Toyota Previa van and drove several miles to Marpi, to the site of the Last Command Post Park, which was the location of Japan's last base for military commanders during World War II. About 60 people were taking pictures of the area.
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