Mourners sing Amazing Grace at candlelight vigil held for the victims of the Oregon college shooting

  • Over 2,000 people gathered at a park in Roseburg, Oregon, for a vigil for the victims of a deadly mass shooting on Thursday night at 8pm
  • 'Amazing Grace' was played as speakers talked about the importance of building community following the tragedy
  • Chris Harper-Mercer, 26, opened fire Thursday at Umpqua Community College
  • Mercer killed at least nine people and injured at least nine more before dying during an exchange of gunfire with officers

Over 2,000 residents gathered at a Roseburg, Oregon, park for a vigil for the victims of a deadly mass shooting on Thursday night.

The crowd gathered around 8pm at Stewart Park in the city about 180 miles south of Portland.

Heartbroken friends and family of the victims, who have not yet been identified, along with community members held up candles as the hymn 'Amazing Grace.' Governor Kate Brown of Oregon was in attendance at the ceremony. 

Chris Harper-Mercer, 26, opened fire Thursday at Umpqua Community College.

He killed at least nine people and injured nine before dying during an exchange of gunfire with officers.

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A girl who allegedly had multiple family members involved in a shooting at her college campus, reacts during a vigil in Roseburg

A girl who allegedly had multiple family members involved in a shooting at her college campus, reacts during a vigil in Roseburg

Crying crowd: People shed tears as they take part in candlelight vigil following a mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg

Crying crowd: People shed tears as they take part in candlelight vigil following a mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg

Vigil: Governor Kate Brown of Oregon attends at a candlelight vigil for the victims of the shooting

Vigil: Governor Kate Brown of Oregon attends at a candlelight vigil for the victims of the shooting

Oregon college gunman Chris Harper-Mercer wrote that he would be 'welcomed in Hell and embraced by the devil' in a rambling letter he left behind before committing his massacre

Police say they have recovered three handguns and an AR-style rifle which Chris Harper-Mercer (pictured) is believed to have used to kill his victims

'We don’t know why this happened. We only know that we are called to come together, to banish fear and be a strong and supportive community,' governor Kate Brown said at the vigil.

'In our sorrow, we will remember those who were lost here today,' the governor said. 

'And, in that way, they will be remembered forever.' 

The Register Guard reports that Umpqua Community College interim president Rita Calvin asked all in attendance who are UCC students to 'raise their hands and shout out!'

Students screamed out enthusiastically before Calvin added: 'We promise we will do everything to make your return to campus as comfortable as possible.'

'We hear you,' Calvin said after both students and teachers cried out. 'The world hears you.'

She asked those in the audience who were angry to deal with their emotions so that they could rise to come together as a community.

'If you’re angry, stay away until you’re not angry,' she said.

'Anger caused this, and it’s going to take a long time....this is a terrific, terrific community and we can rise above this and focus on helping each other.'

Musical accompaniment: Tony D'Agnese plays the trumpet during a vigil for victims of a mass shooting where the community vowed to form a strong bond and prevent future killings from happening again 

Musical accompaniment: Tony D'Agnese plays the trumpet during a vigil for victims of a mass shooting where the community vowed to form a strong bond and prevent future killings from happening again 

Mother and her child: A family holds candles during a vigil for victims of a mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg

Mother and her child: A family holds candles during a vigil for victims of a mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg

Emotional embrace: Brittany Robbins, 14, center, hugs her mother, Natalie Robbins during a vigil for victims of a mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Washington on Thursday 

Emotional embrace: Brittany Robbins, 14, center, hugs her mother, Natalie Robbins during a vigil for victims of a mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Washington on Thursday 

Douglas County commissioner Chris Boice spoke at the vigil and gave the audience in attendance a challenge.

'This is not about the shooter,' he told those at the vigil. 

'I challenge you to never utter his name. This is about the tragic loss for these families.'

Roseburg city manager Lance Colley said he hoped he’d never have to address such a gathering ever again.

'Please pray for all those who still don’t know where their loved ones are,' Colley implored. 

'And please understand that this is a time when we all need to pull together. This is a terrific outpouring of love. Please keep the families in your prayers.'

Circle of prayer: People gather and comfort each other during a candlelight vigil at Stewart Park 

Circle of prayer: People gather and comfort each other during a candlelight vigil at Stewart Park 

Sadness and shock: Governor Kate Brown of Oregon attends at a candlelight vigil for the victims of a tragic school shooting.

Sadness and shock: Governor Kate Brown of Oregon attends at a candlelight vigil for the victims of a tragic school shooting.

Gathering: Umpqua Community College basketball players Shaunta Jackson, left, and Jasmyne Davis, center, hold candles while attending a vigil with men's basketball coach Daniel Leeworthy, right, for victims of a mass shooting at their college in Roseburg

Gathering: Umpqua Community College basketball players Shaunta Jackson, left, and Jasmyne Davis, center, hold candles while attending a vigil with men's basketball coach Daniel Leeworthy, right, for victims of a mass shooting at their college in Roseburg

A young girl prays during a vigil in Roseburg, Oregon on October 1. A visibly angry President Barack Obama made an impassioned plea for gun control in the wake of the shooting, blasting Congress for its failure to act

A young girl prays during a vigil in Roseburg, Oregon on October 1. A visibly angry President Barack Obama made an impassioned plea for gun control in the wake of the shooting, blasting Congress for its failure to act

State Senator Jeff Kruse of Roseburg said 'this tragedy could be our ‘golden moment. In an era when everybody focuses on themselves, we are not going to do that.'

The crowd at the vigil then began chanting 'UCC!' along with the phrases, 'Change! Sickness! Change!'

Dramatic 911 recordings captured the chilling moment the Oregon police exchanged deadly fire with the gunman earlier on Thursday.

In the first emergency broadcast that went across the Douglas County emergency dispatch system just after 10.38am, the operator said: 'We have an active shooter at UCC'.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown, left, addresses the crowd as her husband, Dan Little, stands nearby. 'We don’t know why this happened. We only know that we are called to come together, to banish fear and be a strong and supportive community,' Gov. Kate Brown said 

Oregon Governor Kate Brown, left, addresses the crowd as her husband, Dan Little, stands nearby. 'We don’t know why this happened. We only know that we are called to come together, to banish fear and be a strong and supportive community,' Gov. Kate Brown said 

Shedding tears: A Roseburg resident wipes away a tear at the candlelight vigil. State Senator Jeff Kruse of Roseburg said 'this tragedy could be our ‘golden moment. In an era when everybody focuses on themselves, we are not going to do that'

Shedding tears: A Roseburg resident wipes away a tear at the candlelight vigil. State Senator Jeff Kruse of Roseburg said 'this tragedy could be our ‘golden moment. In an era when everybody focuses on themselves, we are not going to do that'

In memory: Dozens of Roseburg residents gathered at the vigil. State Senator Jeff Kruse of Roseburg said 'this tragedy could be our ‘golden moment. In an era when everybody focuses on themselves, we are not going to do that'

In memory: Dozens of Roseburg residents gathered at the vigil. State Senator Jeff Kruse of Roseburg said 'this tragedy could be our ‘golden moment. In an era when everybody focuses on themselves, we are not going to do that'

Placing a candle: A woman places a candle as people take part in candlelight vigil following the mass shooting that ended in the killer's death

Placing a candle: A woman places a candle as people take part in candlelight vigil following the mass shooting that ended in the killer's death

As police cars raced to the campus, 911 operators provided details to officers about the incident amid calls for as many ambulances as possible.

Later, officers described shooting Mercer as he was standing next to a library. An officer is heard saying: ‘The suspect is down’.

PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center emergency room doctor Hans Notenboom told reporters three women between the ages of 18 and 34 were flown to the hospital in Riverbend by helicopter, and two were moved directly into an operating room.

Survivors were transported to local fairgrounds and some family members were left waiting for hours to see if their loved ones would be among them.

Rita Calvin, the college's president said: 'We have grief counselors waiting for those parents who have no children getting off that bus.'

A NURSE, A TRAINEE HYGIENIST, A QUADRUPLET AND A FORMER DRUG ADDICT WHO HAD MANAGED TO TURN HIS LIFE AROUND 

The tragic victims of Oregon's mass shooting were identified on Friday as relatives, friends and co-workers tried to come to terms with their tragic loss. 

19-year-old student Lucero Alcaraz was the first to be identified by relatives. Her older sister, Maria Leticia, posted a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook saying the first-year UCC student had aspired to be a pediatric nurse.

'Lucero, I miss you I wish you were here,' Maria Alcaraz wrote. 'I can't sleep. I never got the chance to tell you how proud of you I was.

'You would have been a great pediatric nurse. I was so proud of you for getting you college completely paid through scholarships and you made it into college honors.

Lucero Alcaraz, left, was one of the first victims to be identified. She was training to become a pediatric nurse. Lucas Eibel, right, was also named among the dead - he is a quadruplet and just 18 years old
Lucero Alcaraz, left, was one of the first victims to be identified. She was training to become a pediatric nurse. Lucas Eibel, right, was also named among the dead - he is a quadruplet and just 18 years old

Lucero Alcaraz, left, was one of the first victims to be identified. She was training to become a pediatric nurse. Lucas Eibel, right, was also named among the dead - he is a quadruplet and just 18 years old

'You were going to do great things love. I ache so much right now..I need you..' 

'I don't know how I will make it through this ...I don't know if I can ever relieve this pain. Rest in piece sister...I'll see you soon.' 

The second victim was identified Friday as Jason Johnson, whose mother spoke proudly of her son's new-found commitment to turning his life around.

Tonja Johnson Engle told NBC News the 33-year-old had struggled with drug addiction but completed a six-month rehabilitation program and enrolled in Umpqua Community College to continue his education.

‘He started Monday and he was so proud of what he had accomplished, and rightly so," Johnson Engel tearfully told the station. ‘The other day he looked at me and hugged me and said, “Mom, how long have you been waiting for one of your kids to go to college?” And I said, “Oh, about 20 years."’

The heartbroken mother said she last saw her son alive as he was leaving for class Thursday morning.

'Love ya,' Jason told her after giving her a kiss. 'I'll see you this afternoon.'

20-year-old Treven Anspach, pictured left, was named as one of the victims by friends and relatives while Rebecka Carnes, 18, pictured right, was also killed. Her step-father said they were at a loss for words
20-year-old Treven Anspach, pictured left, was named as one of the victims by friends and relatives while Rebecka Carnes, 18, pictured right, was also killed. Her step-father said they were at a loss for words

20-year-old Treven Anspach, pictured left, was named as one of the victims by friends and relatives while Rebecka Carnes, 18, pictured right, was also killed. Her step-father said they were at a loss for words

The deaths of two more UCC students, Lucas Eibel and Rebecka Carnes, both 18 years old, were confirmed by their families this afternoon.

Carnes' stepfather, Aaron Chandler, told the station KATU: 'We are at a loss for words.'

The New York Times reported the 18-year-old was a star softball player in high school and was studying to become a dental hygienist. Carnes had just began classes at UCC on September 28. 

Lucas Eibel, also 18 years of age, was a quadruplet. According to the Roseburg News-Review. Lucas, his two brothers, Mitchell and Cole, and sister Alexis graduated from high school this year.

A friend of 20-year-old Treven Anspach confirmed to People Magazine that he was among the victim's of Thursday shooting rampage.

Jesse Milbrat, also 20, told the publication he and Anspach were former school mates and co-workers at Roseburg Forest Products.

Jason Johnson's mother confirmed he was one of the dead. She said the 33-year-old had struggled with drug addiction in the past but was proud to have turned his life around

Jason Johnson's mother confirmed he was one of the dead. She said the 33-year-old had struggled with drug addiction in the past but was proud to have turned his life around

'He was a hard worker and a damn good basketball player,' the friend said. 'He deserves way better.'

Milbrat last saw Anspach in May before leaving for the Army.

'The last thing he said to me was, "Good luck and thanks for your service",' he said. 

 

The college, which began its fall term this week and serves more than 13,000 students, 3,000 of them full-time, said it would be closed until Monday.

On Thursday afternoon, officials said it would be 24 hours before they identify victims.

Harper-Mercer's motive is still not known at this time.

He demanded that his victims lay on the ground and then made them stand up one at a time and state their religion before opening fire according to one traumatized eyewitness.

Thousands of people gathered for a vigil  in Roseburg for the people killed and wounded in a shooting at a community college in the western US state of Oregon

Thousands of people gathered for a vigil in Roseburg for the people killed and wounded in a shooting at a community college in the western US state of Oregon

Scores of mourners in attendance: Hundreds gather and chant their University name to honor the victims of the horrific shooting on Thursday

Scores of mourners in attendance: Hundreds gather and chant their University name to honor the victims of the horrific shooting on Thursday

Kortney Moore said she was in her writing class when a bullet went through the window hitting her teacher in the head. Soon after, the shooter was inside the room demanding to know the religion of her fellow students.

The 18-year-old laid on the ground next to some of the victims shot by the gunman but managed to make it out alive.

Anastasia Boylan, 18, was one of Harper-Mercer's victims who only survived by playing dead.

Her father Stacy spoke to CNN and described his daughter's horrifying ordeal, saying that Harper-Mercer at one point asked who was Chrsitian, and told them all to stand up.

'And they would stand up and he said, "Good, because you're a Christian, you're going to see God in just about one second,"' said Stacy.

'And then he shot and killed them.'

The man then broke down as he tried to understand how it was possible for the 26-year-old to be able to so slowly and methodically murder so many people and refill his handgun without anyone coming to the rescue of these students.

Umpqua Community College alumnus Donice Smith (L) is embraced after she said one of her former teachers was shot dead, near the site of a mass shooting at Umpqua Community College on Thursday

Umpqua Community College alumnus Donice Smith (L) is embraced after she said one of her former teachers was shot dead, near the site of a mass shooting at Umpqua Community College on Thursday

The shooter's stepsister was shocked by the news. 'I don't know what to say. I'm shaking right now,' said Carmen Nesnick in an interview with NBC Los Angeles.

The shooter's stepsister was shocked by the news. 'I don't know what to say. I'm shaking right now,' said Carmen Nesnick in an interview with NBC Los Angeles.

His daughter was shot in the spine but still alive when Harper-Mercer demanded she stand back up, but she refused and instead acted dead so he moved on.

Bronte Hart, who lived in the apartment below Harper-Mercer and his mother said the young man 'seemed really unfriendly' and that he would often 'sit by himself in the dark in the balcony with this little light.'

She also said that his mother was seen 'crying her eyes out' on Thursday.

The shooter's stepsister was shocked by the news.

'I don't know what to say. I'm shaking right now,' said Carmen Nesnick in an interview with NBC Los Angeles.

'He was a nice guy. He put everyone before himself. It doesn't sound right because he wanted everyone to be happy.'

State legislators did attempt to close the unlicensed seller loophole in recent months, but several rural sheriffs, including where the killings took place (pictured), said they had no intention of enforcing the law

State legislators did attempt to close the unlicensed seller loophole in recent months, but several rural sheriffs, including where the killings took place (pictured), said they had no intention of enforcing the law

A bullet casing is marked at the scene of the deadly shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon

A bullet casing is marked at the scene of the deadly shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon

Shortly after the shooting, President Obama addressed the nation demanding stronger gun laws, saying that the country has become 'numb' to these mass shootings.

He also asked that the public look at the number of Americans killed by guns over the past ten years compared to the number killed by terrorists.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 153,144 people were killed by homicide in which firearms were used between 2001 and 2013, the last year that data are available reports NBC News.

The Global Terrorism Database - which uses a criteria to determine terrorist attacks but also includes acts of violence that are more ambiguous in goal - estimates that 3,046 people in the U.S. died in terrorist or possible terrorist attacks between 2001 and 2014.

Remote: The rural college is located 180 miles south of Portland, Oregon, as identified in the map above

Remote: The rural college is located 180 miles south of Portland, Oregon, as identified in the map above

Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin addresses the media following the deadly shooting, confirming the gunman's death

Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin addresses the media following the deadly shooting, confirming the gunman's death

A Mercy Health Medical Center doctor said in press conference, that 10 patients arrived at the hospital and three were transferred to PeaceHealth in Springfield.  

The station KATU reported, citing a school official, that gunfire erupted at Snyder Hall located in the English building on campus, which is comprised of about 16 auxiliary buildings.

Authorities said that there doesn’t appear to be a link with international terrorism.

Reports from a police scanner recorded a dispatcher saying he was ‘exchanging gunshots right now with a shooter’ who was located in Snyder Hall.

Brady Winder, 23, of Portland, was on campus when he described hearing a 'thud.'

He told The News-Review he then then heard a barrage of gunfire and saw students fleeing 'like ants.'

One neighbor, who lives across the street, recalled to CNN hearing what they thought were ‘fireworks’. 

 

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