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Two Dead, More Injured in New Mexico Public Library Shooting

Cassandra Neace

Staff Writer

Cassandra Neace is a high school English teacher in Houston. When she's not in the classroom, she reads books and writes about them. She prides herself on her ability to recommend a book for most any occasion. She can be found on Instagram @read_write_make

On Monday, a man walked into the public library in Clovis, New Mexico, and started shooting. By the time it was over, two women has been killed and 4 others had been wounded. Local police, supported by the ATF, responded quickly and the suspect was apprehended. No clear motive is apparent.

Few details surrounding the event are available at this time. Clovis, a small, town near the Texas border, is a very close-knit community. The library was, as most libraries are, seen as a safe space. Witnesses report that the gunman entered at around 4:15 pm, fired several shots into the floor and asked why people weren’t running.

Patrons–many women and children–sought cover and tried to stay out of his way. When police arrived a few short minutes later, the shooter surrendered immediately and did not resist arrest. The injured were taken to a hospital in nearby Lubbock, Texas, for treatment.

Victim identification is being withheld at this time, pending notification of family members. Police are also withholding information on the shooter at this time.

The Clovis-Carver Public Library will be closed until further notice.