Asia-Pacific

Court officer, gunman killed in Las Vegas shooting

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-01-05 09:19

LOS ANGELES: Police shot dead a gunman who opened fire in a federal courthouse in downtown Las Vegas on Monday, killing one court officer and wounding a second.

Court officer, gunman killed in Las Vegas shooting

Police surrounded the federal courthouse building in L.A. on January 4, 2010. A shooting took place in L.A. on Monday morning, killing one court officer and wounding a second. The suspect was shot dead by the police on the spot. [Photo/Agencies]

Previous reports said at least two guards were wounded in the shooting which occurred in the courthouse's lobby at about 8 am local time.

Authorities confirmed later that one of the victims died in hospital.

The US Marshals Service said the victims included a deputy US marshal and a court security officer. The 48-year-old deputy marshal was hospitalized, and the 65-year-old security officer died.

Witnesses said they heard about 30 to 40 gun shots in the shooting.

FBI Special Agent Joseph Dickey said the gunman died across the street shortly after the shootout.

Chief Deputy US Marshal Roxanna Lea Irwin said authorities believe the shooter acted alone.

There was no immediate word on the gunman's identity and motive.

The building was evacuated and police cordoned off the area for several blocks in a "standard procedure," Dickey said.