Las Vegas Federal Courthouse Shooting

I'm sure by now many of you have heard about the Las Vegas Federal Courthouse shooting.  Yesterday, a lone gunmen walked into the Federal Courthouse and opened fire before reaching the metal detectors.  One security guard was shot in the chest and later died and a deputy marshall was also hit.  After an intense shoot-out the gunman was shot and killed on the spot.  Not only is this a horrific tragedy in general, it also hits really close to home.  My heart is truly saddened by the loss of the securtiy guard, Stan Cooper.

Until earlier this year, I ran a private investigations company.  Part of my job was to go the various courthouses on a daily basis to conduct criminal and civil records checks and to obtain court records.  I often went into the Federal Court building.  In fact the courthouses have been a regular presence in my daily routine since 1998.  I knew many of the Federal Court Security Guards, and Stan Cooper was among them.  He was one of the nicest men I have ever met.  I don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face.  He also made it a point to make small talk and to joke with many of the people who came in on a regular basis.  Athough I have not entered that building in six months, Stan will be missed by me.  My heart goes out to his family.  It really breaks my heart that such a sweet man was taken out with such violence. 

I just needed to write that down.  I am so thankful that no one else I knew was caught in the crossfire.  I have lots of friends and acquaintances who work in the downtown area and go from court to court.  I thank God that more people weren't injured and even though this is a tragedy, I also see it as an opportunity for learning.  Security at the Federal Courthouse was already tight, but now, I'm sure this will make everyone ask questions about how to make it better.

To hear more about the gunman click on the link to view our local news.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js6RxLNrNBs