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(Image source: Pocono Record)
BY NICHOLE CARTMELL
The gunman believed to be responsible for the deaths of three people at a local government
meeting in Northeastern Pennsylvania has been named.
"That shooter has been identified as Rockne Newell." (Via WNEP)
Newell was one of those transported to the hospital, along with several others injured
during the shootout at Ross Township's regular monthly meeting Monday evening.
Police say Newell's property was condemned on Thursday and this has fueled an ongoing
dispute with local officials. It's still not clear whether he had any personal connections
with the victims. (Via WBRE)
"The actions of this individual are still under investigation. The manner and reason
for what he did this evening is still under investigation." (Via WNEP)
The shootout started around 7:20 p.m. in Saylorsburg, about 85 miles north of Philadelphia. There
were between 15 and 18 people inside of the building when the suspected gunman began shooting.
Police say Newell walked up to the building and open fire through the walls of the building
with a long gun. He then exited, retrieved a handgun from his car, returned for a second
time and fired more rounds. (Via WPVI)
Newell was eventually subdued, thanks to what police called "courageous acts" of two people
inside the meeting. A township official tackled Newell, and shot him with his own gun. Together
the two kept the suspect under control until authorities arrived. (Via ABC)
Ross Township has been described as a quiet town with no more than 5,500 residents, and
its Board of Supervisors is made up of only three members. The Monroe County Commissioner
told CNN it was "the quietest township in Monroe County."
The Pocono Record's Chris Reber, who was inside the building during the shootout, described
the shooting as a series of firecrackers. He explained, "There is nothing in reality
you can compare it to. It just was not in reality. All I could think was: It wasn't
happening to me."
A total of six people, including the shooter, suffered gunshot wounds.