Shooting at a Colledge in downtown Montreal.

[Captain oats 13]

At 12:55 AM a shooting broke out at Dawson College. This is a Cegep for students 16-20 aprox at age. I live around this area and a couple of my friends are students there. One of the shooters has been said to be killed by the police. This is all the information I know and I am quite freaked considering this is a place very close to home. Please take time in your day to pray for the victims involved in the shooting.

[Sonni]

I went to this school in summer. I'm really and truly shocked. Plus, I know that someone from FB goes to this school... I hope she's alright.
:(

ETA: Are you sure people were killed? NBC and yahoo report that there were 20 people injured but none were killed.

I'll copy one of the reports....


source: NBC

MONTREAL - A gunman in a black trench coat and sporting a mohawk haircut opened fire Wednesday at a Montreal college and wounded at least 20 people — six critically — before he apparently was killed by police, witnesses and authorities said.

Scores of panicked students at Dawson College near downtown fled into the surrounding streets after the shooting broke out at the school of about 10,000. Some had clothes stained with blood.

Police spokesman Ean Lafreniere said there was just one gunman at the school and the search for any others was over.

Although police initially suggested that the gunman had killed himself, they later said at a news conference that “based on current information, the suspect was killed by police.”

CBC-TV showed police with guns drawn standing behind a police cruiser as a SWAT team swarmed the 12-acre campus. A bloody body covered in a yellow sheet lay next to a police cruiser near an entrance to a school building.

Earlier reports indicated only 12 people had been injured. The Montreal General Hospital said it admitted 12 people, including six who were in critical condition. Two were listed in serious condition and four were stable.

Student Devansh Smri Vastava said he saw a man in military fatigues with “a big rifle” storm the school’s cafeteria.

“He just started shooting at people,” Vastava said, adding that he heard about 20 shots fired. He also said teachers ran through the halls telling students to get out.

Other witnesses spoke of a gunman wearing a black trench coat.

'Shooting at everybody'
“We all ran upstairs. There were cops firing. It was so crazy,” Vastava said. “I was terrified. The guy was shooting at people randomly. He didn’t care, he was just shooting at everybody. I just got out.”

Derick Osei, 19, said he was walking down the stairs when he saw a man with a gun.

“He ... just started shooting up the place. I ran up to the third floor and I looked down and he was still shooting,” Osei said. “He was hiding behind the vending machines and he came out with a gun and started pointing and pointed at me. So I ran up the stairs. I saw a girl get shot in the leg.”

Osei said people in the cafeteria were all lying on the floor.

Another student who gave her name as Chloe tearfully recounted seeing the gunman pointing a weapon at people.

“All of a sudden I turned around and saw a man who was all dressed in black,” she told radio station 940 News.

“This dude with the clothes started pointing the gun at other people. He was right behind me. He turned around and went in the corner of the cafeteria,” she said.

Another student told 940 News that she had seen two people who had been shot, including one who was hit in the neck. The student said a friend told her four people had been shot.

Ingrid Keigan, a 17-year-old student, said she saw one person outside the school who had been shot in the chest.

A SWAT team and canine units were at the campus, going floor by floor to look for victims, Sgt. Giuseppe Boccardi told CNN.

“Most of the students have exited the college grounds,” he said.

People have also been evacuated from the nearby Alexis-Nihon shopping center.

Tighter gun laws after 1989 mass shooting
Canada’s worst mass shooting also happened in Montreal. Gunman Marc Lepin killed 14 women at the Ecole Polytechnic on Dec. 6, 1989.

That shooting spurred efforts for tighter gun laws and greater awareness of societal violence — particularly domestic abuse. Canada’s tighter gun law was achieved mainly as the results of efforts by survivors and relatives of the victims.

Another shooting in Montreal occurred in 1992, when a Concordia University professor killed four colleagues.

Dawson College was the first English-language institution in Quebec’s network of university preparatory colleges when it was founded in 1969. It is the largest college of general and vocational education, known by its French acronym CEGEP, in the province.

[lovefool.]

OMG im soo scared
i know someone who goes there(& i also want to go there)
he was in class when the gunman started shooting
so scaryyyy
and on the news they said that only 20 people were injured
they didnt say anything about deaths.

[Captain oats 13]

Thanks for the info :( This truly is a tragedy.

[Sonni]

Does anyone know what's going on right now? Did all the students get out of Dawson by now?

[lovefool.]

yeah there all out & some are at concordia
& the gunman was killed
they're was two gunman's
one of them the police killed, the other comitted suicide.

[Sonni]

I don't know what to believe anymore since all the major TV channels are saying different things... I'll go to bed now, it's after midnight, I'll check in again tomorrow morning.

[lovefool.]

they just said on the news that one person died
:(
RIP

[iceteaiscrazy]

If I start talking about the events of today right now, I'm sure I'm going to start to cry. Everytime I tell someone the whole story, my voice cracks and I can feel the tears well up. The fear is still in my heart, even if I know as of right now that my friends are safe, that most of them got out without even a scratch. Today was terrifying and unbelievable and the shots are still ringing in my ears, I'm so confused.

I go to Dawson, I was there when the this all stared. In fact, I was in the bathroom when I heard the screams of fellow students. You can only imagine the shock, the fear, the confusion as I tried to figure out if this was real, if this was happening. I sat cornered in front of the escalators with a friend and strangers as we listened to 20 minutes worth of gunfire before we got out, running for out lives when we were shown to the emergency exit nearby. I'll tell you more about the experience later, but you can imagine how happy I was to be outside of the building, to get away from it all.

I am fine. I am still shaken, but I am fine. My good friend was among those injured, but she's going to be just fine. She was shot in the pelvis and arm, but friends and family have all seen and spoken to her, she's in no danger. Her boyfriend was there with her, my other friend stood right next to one of the other victims, rumor is the one who got shot in the head. They're both fine and I'm so relieved.

I hope that later I can better describe to you from my first hand experience what happened, but I'm still trying to process it all. I love you all and I just wanted to let those of you who know that I do, in fact, attend the school, know that I'm fine.

[tommygirl887]

*hugs* Jess, I am so sorry you had to be there for that, and I'm so sorry about your friends. I'm glad the injured ones are going to be okay, and of course that you're okay too. I can't even imagine ever being in a situation like that, it must have been tough.

[iceteaiscrazy]

*hugs Saadia* You can't imagine unless you went though it, I agree. I mean, I used to hear about these things and think that I knew what it must've been like, but you have no idea. You don't know how really confusing and chaotic it really is until you're there and your life is really flashing in front of you because every shot could be one shot closer to you. It's crazy. I'm so relieved that everyone is fine.

[*Ashlee*]

If I start talking about the events of today right now, I'm sure I'm going to start to cry. Everytime I tell someone the whole story, my voice cracks and I can feel the tears well up. The fear is still in my heart, even if I know as of right now that my friends are safe, that most of them got out without even a scratch. Today was terrifying and unbelievable and the shots are still ringing in my ears, I'm so confused.

I go to Dawson, I was there when the this all stared. In fact, I was in the bathroom when I heard the screams of fellow students. You can only imagine the shock, the fear, the confusion as I tried to figure out if this was real, if this was happening. I sat cornered in front of the escalators with a friend and strangers as we listened to 20 minutes worth of gunfire before we got out, running for out lives when we were shown to the emergency exit nearby. I'll tell you more about the experience later, but you can imagine how happy I was to be outside of the building, to get away from it all.

I am fine. I am still shaken, but I am fine. My good friend was among those injured, but she's going to be just fine. She was shot in the pelvis and arm, but friends and family have all seen and spoken to her, she's in no danger. Her boyfriend was there with her, my other friend stood right next to one of the other victims, rumor is the one who got shot in the head. They're both fine and I'm so relieved.

I hope that later I can better describe to you from my first hand experience what happened, but I'm still trying to process it all. I love you all and I just wanted to let those of you who know that I do, in fact, attend the school, know that I'm fine.

OMG jess I have tears and goosebumps! im so glad you and your friends are okay. I can not even begin to imagine what a horrible experience this was for you. *hugs soooooo tightly* I am so so SOOO glad you are safe. ''

I cant believe someone would do this :( what is wrong with this world!

[Sonni]

Jess, I am so glad you're ok (and I hope you know what I mean with ok, because I'm sure this was HORRIBLE).

I'm really sorry for the person that died. R.I.P.

[iceteaiscrazy]

God you guys, I'm just....there's so many things....I was supposed to be up there. I would've stopped to talk to my friends....I would've seen this all unfold. Thank god I went to the bathroom, thank god for so many things. I didn't see the guy and I'm so glad. It's so strange, knowing one of my close friends was shot, knowing that the girl who died was someone I went to elementary school with.

I love you all.

[seth_is_my_baby]

Oh Jess, you poor thing. It's so shocking... I just can't understand the world anymore. I'm so pleased you are alright hun, and your friend is going to be okay.

[Sonni]

I really hope your friend will be alright. It's strange I guess... I mean, it's even strange for me and I was there 3 weeks ago and I wasn't even close to Canada when it happened, so I can't even imagine what it must be like for you and all the other people that were there!
I'm really glad though that you didn't have to face him and that you weren't exactly at the place of the shooting. :heart: you!

[iceteaiscrazy]

Thanks you guys for you support and prayers and worry. This is all so unbelievable.

[diamondroad17]

Hugs Jess!

Wow, other people have said it better than I, but I'm really glad that you're okay.

[Leyton Forever]

wow Jess babe I'm so sorry and so glad that you're ok. If you ever need to talk you know I'm always here. It's so awful what has happened and I'm sorry that you had to go through it *hugs*

[~Roger¤Davies~]

I just found out through my college email, that the college in Montreal is my Colleges Sister Institution. So there is Great backing for those victims and whitnesses here in Ontario at St Lawrence College.

And to those that have seen the incident unfold, or heard it, or were involved. I am sorry to you that you had to go through such an event, and have the memories to scar you forever. My wishes go to you and your families.

[Krazy]

Jess, awwww my heart is with you and all those people that attend that college. And i'm glad you got out okay even though i know you wont be okay for a while. I saw this yesterday and i thought not again, i just dont get why people have started to do this. It's just wrong and selfish because those people are innocent, they dont deserve this. I just cant understand the fear that goes through those poor students mind and i just wish it didnt have to be like this.

[oc_craze]

Jess, I just remembered last night that you go to Dawson. I was so scared for you, I'm so glad you're okay.
My mom's best friend called last night to tell her that her kids were fine, they had gotten on the train 5 minutes before it happened.
Hopefully everyone else who is in critical condition will be okay.

[lovefool.]

If I start talking about the events of today right now, I'm sure I'm going to start to cry. Everytime I tell someone the whole story, my voice cracks and I can feel the tears well up. The fear is still in my heart, even if I know as of right now that my friends are safe, that most of them got out without even a scratch. Today was terrifying and unbelievable and the shots are still ringing in my ears, I'm so confused.

I go to Dawson, I was there when the this all stared. In fact, I was in the bathroom when I heard the screams of fellow students. You can only imagine the shock, the fear, the confusion as I tried to figure out if this was real, if this was happening. I sat cornered in front of the escalators with a friend and strangers as we listened to 20 minutes worth of gunfire before we got out, running for out lives when we were shown to the emergency exit nearby. I'll tell you more about the experience later, but you can imagine how happy I was to be outside of the building, to get away from it all.

I am fine. I am still shaken, but I am fine. My good friend was among those injured, but she's going to be just fine. She was shot in the pelvis and arm, but friends and family have all seen and spoken to her, she's in no danger. Her boyfriend was there with her, my other friend stood right next to one of the other victims, rumor is the one who got shot in the head. They're both fine and I'm so relieved.

I hope that later I can better describe to you from my first hand experience what happened, but I'm still trying to process it all. I love you all and I just wanted to let those of you who know that I do, in fact, attend the school, know that I'm fine.

im glad you're okay jess everyone is sad and shocked on what happend yesterday. today there was a memorial at my school and i also found out from my teacher that he taught the girl that died
im extremely sad right now :(
this is a terrible tragedy and i hope it wont happen again.

[airysarah]

hi i know i dont know you jess but i just wanted to say that my thoughts are with you and all your friends. im good friends with sonni and she was telling me about everything and it breaks my heart. xx

[Alexa]

Jess, *Hugs* I am so sorry to hear you had to go through that. I cannot imagine what you went through. I just want to say I am very glad that you and your friend are okay. It's so horrible. I only heard about it today in French class. My teacher played us the news on what happened in french and even though I'm not the greatest in french I understood most of it. It was horrible seeing the images and the videos of yesterday. I hate school shootings.. I had thought someone here went to that school, I just didn't know it was you Jess. I'm really glad you're okay and my prayers go out to the others who are wounded and in critical condition as well as the families.

[iceteaiscrazy]

Thanks so much for everything you guys. I'm happy to say my friend has been discharged from the hospital, but everything is still so surreal and coming together. The shooter apparently used to go to my High School, he graduated in 1998, before I ever go to the school. My thoughts and prayers are still with the victims and the family and I'm just trying to keep as up to date on everything as possible.

[Shirphie]

Aww Jess I'm so overwhelmed right now I really, truly am glad that you're all right and that your friends and family are too. I'm so sorry that you had to go through that *hugs* I feel deeply for everyone involved. It's just so sad to hear news like this but I know you're strong, so I'll keep praying for you and for everyone. I'm so glad you're safe.

[OTH man]

God, Jess thank God your okay!

I really dont understand why anyone would feel the need to do anything like this- sick!

[Krysie]

Omg, that is so sad! :( How can someone do that! So devastating:( I'm glad that your okay Jess!!

[lovefool.]

Thanks so much for everything you guys. I'm happy to say my friend has been discharged from the hospital, but everything is still so surreal and coming together. The shooter apparently used to go to my High School, he graduated in 1998, before I ever go to the school. My thoughts and prayers are still with the victims and the family and I'm just trying to keep as up to date on everything as possible.

i glad your friend is okay
its just so sad and scary everytime i think about what happend and who died i just wanna cry :(

[Baby_Em05]

If I start talking about the events of today right now, I'm sure I'm going to start to cry. Everytime I tell someone the whole story, my voice cracks and I can feel the tears well up. The fear is still in my heart, even if I know as of right now that my friends are safe, that most of them got out without even a scratch. Today was terrifying and unbelievable and the shots are still ringing in my ears, I'm so confused.

I go to Dawson, I was there when the this all stared. In fact, I was in the bathroom when I heard the screams of fellow students. You can only imagine the shock, the fear, the confusion as I tried to figure out if this was real, if this was happening. I sat cornered in front of the escalators with a friend and strangers as we listened to 20 minutes worth of gunfire before we got out, running for out lives when we were shown to the emergency exit nearby. I'll tell you more about the experience later, but you can imagine how happy I was to be outside of the building, to get away from it all.

I am fine. I am still shaken, but I am fine. My good friend was among those injured, but she's going to be just fine. She was shot in the pelvis and arm, but friends and family have all seen and spoken to her, she's in no danger. Her boyfriend was there with her, my other friend stood right next to one of the other victims, rumor is the one who got shot in the head. They're both fine and I'm so relieved.

I hope that later I can better describe to you from my first hand experience what happened, but I'm still trying to process it all. I love you all and I just wanted to let those of you who know that I do, in fact, attend the school, know that I'm fine.


Oh my God Jess! That must have been terryfying. I have experienced a lockdown at my school but nothing like this. I can't even imagine the terror and shock that you must have experienced. I love you Jess! I'm so sorry to hear about your friend, I hope she continues to recover well. *hugs for a very long time*

[BellaBlack]

OMG I didn't even know this thread existed! Sorry I am so late I feel horrible I just feel so bad inside :crying: :mad:

Jess I didn't know you went there but I am glad your okay! That must've been horrible! *Hugs* I was online when Kristy announced it so I was very worried and there have been 2 articles in my newspaper since.

I know one person died..RIP :( I really am truly sorry for all of students, Jess and the victim's family. I hope you forgive me Jess :(

[lovefool.]

hey everybody check this out
http://news.sympatico.msn.ctv.ca/TopStories/ContentPosting.aspx?feedname=CTV-TOPSTORIES_V2&newsitemid=CTVNews%2f20060914%2fshooting_victims_0 60915&showbyline=True

[seth_is_my_baby]

Did the guys who were shooting have any affiliation with the school, or was it just a random act of violence?

[Krazy]

^^it was one guy i believe and he went to the school a few years ago, i think it was just random really.

[BellaBlack]

He was 25 so by that time he had graduated a few years ago..

[Webeh]

OMG iceteaiscrazy, I'm so sorry! I'm glad you're fine.

I only saw the coverage on TV and I still felt like crying too. Being a student myself, I took this personally.

[hypnoticavenger]

Jess, I'm sorry that you had to experience something so traumatic.

[iceteaiscrazy]

Thanks so much everyone.

The shooter had no affiliation to Dawson college, but he was spotted at the school a week or so before everything happened and some people say they saw him in August. He was obviously checking the school out and what he was going to do. There are still so many rumours going around, but apparently he attended another college in the area for one semester years ago, Vanier college.

We're back in school now and in classes, dealing with this all as best as we can. I think is absolutely amazing how well we reclaimed the school. There are flowers and teddies and wishes of well-being and peace everywhere around the school. In the atrium, where it all happened, there are big plasters set up for people to sign and leave messages as well as memorial books and a book that will go to the Montreal Police to thank them for their extraordinary job.

Dawson College belongs to us, no one can take it away.

[Kay]

*hugs Jess*
I'm glad everything is sortakinda back to normal, I hope it continues to get better. I'm hate that anyone would have to go through such a thing and than it happens to you, that cant be worse. I'm so very sorry you had to go through this, and really deeply hope you're dealing with it well!

[B.Davis]

oh my god Jess that is awful *hugs* I am so sorry about all this, it`s really.. I have no idea how it would be to go through this and I am crying right now after reading everything.

[BellaBlack]

That's the spirit Jess, I :heart: you for that

[Sonni]

Dawson College belongs to us, no one can take it away.

Yes, Jess, you're so right. Dawson college is yours!
You're so strong, I hope you know that.

(I'd really love to say something profound or helping right now, although I'm not sure if there is, but I'm not any good with words... I wish I could just give you a hug)