Police reluctantly identify Oregon shooter who killed about 10 at community college

Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin describes mass shooting in Oregon — (Image credit: Michael Lloyd/Getty Images)

Thursday evening law enforcement officials identified the man who shot at least 17 people at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, as Chris Harper Mercer, 26. The name didn't come from Douglas County Sherif John Hanlin, who said at a news conference that 10 dead and seven injured is the "best, most accurate information we have at this time." He declined to say if the gunman was counted among the 10 dead but added: "Let me be very clear, I will not name the shooter. I will not give him the credit he probably sought prior to this horrific and cowardly act." Hanlin urged reporters "not to glorify and create sensationalism for him. He in no way deserves it."

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.