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New York Firefighters
At least two firefighters were fatally shot and two wounded after arriving to battle a blaze at a house in upstate New York today, police in Webster, New York, told reporters.
Authorities believe someone shot at the firefighters shortly after they exited their vehicles, said Rob Boutillier, fire marshal in the town of Webster, New York.
For hours, the gunfire stopped firefighters from working to extinguish the flames and forced police SWAT teams to evacuate homes in the area. Ref. CNN
The shooter who ambushed and killed two upstate New York firefighters Monday left a note behind indicating his intentions, police said today. "I still have to get ready to see how much of the neighborhood I can burn down and do what I like doing best -- killing people," the three-page typewritten note said.
Two other firefighters who were wounded in the ambush are in stable condition after surgery, police say.
The gunman, William Spengler, 62, was convicted decades ago of killing his grandmother. He was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound hours after the firefighters were shot. Ref. CNN
Firemen's killer mapped out plan for slayings
The ex-con turned sniper who killed two firefighters wanted to make sure his goodbye note was legible, typing out his desire to "Do what I like doing best, killing people" before setting the house where he lived with his sister ablaze, police said. Ref. Source 6
New York police and firefighters are responding to reports of an explosion in East Harlem, authorities say. There are at least 11 minor injuries, according to fire officials.
Images show smoke billowing from the site where a building appeared to have collapsed. The scene is near a major commuter rail line. Ref. CNN
Two people were killed and at least 18 people were injured in today's blast that destroyed two buildings in East Harlem, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said. An unspecified number of people are missing, and crews will search the rubble of the buildings as soon as the fire is out, he said.
Preliminary information indicates that a gas leak led to the blast, de Blasio told reporters. "This is a tragedy of the worst kind because there was no indication in time to save people." Ref. CNN
5-year-old boy home alone dies in Queens fire; brother is charged
Original Post Date: 23rd Feb, 2008 - 9:42pm
Such a sad case! Another case of negligence. Poor little kid. *sigh*
International Level: Politics 101 / Political Participation: 9 0.9%