Daycare.com Forum
Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>OT: Mall Shooting was at "MY" Mall
Lucy 07:15 PM 12-11-2012
I was just at Clackamas Town Center 72 hours ago with my husband, sister-in-law, and 2 nieces. I'm so upset watching this news coverage, as it makes me realize that could have been us.
My mother-in-law was at the mall when this happened. I haven't spoken to her directly, but news went through my teen niece, to her mom, and then to me, so I don't know for sure, but she may have been in an elevator that was automatically sent down to a basement level which is not normally open to the public, and held there until things were sorted out.
I also had some friends there, but haven't heard their full story either.
It's so scary. Where is it safe anymore? When you watch these stories on the news that take place other than where you live, you are a little bit removed from it emotionally, but being that this is the mall in my neighborhood that I've been to hundreds of times in the 30 yrs it's been open, it really hits home and makes me realize that it really could have been us.
*** Just talked to my mother in law. She was in an elevator that leads directly INTO the food court. The elevator doors opened just as the shooting started. They quickly pushed buttons trying to get those doors closed. They went to the lower level and ran down a hall that has mall offices at the end. It happened to be the security office where all the video monitors are. Another family came in after them, and they all stayed there 2 1/2 hours until they were allowed to leave. Way too close for comfort. My heart is pounding realizing what could have happened. She's in her mid 70's and was there with a lady friend. They can't run too fast like we would have. Scary.
My mother-in-law was at the mall when this happened. I haven't spoken to her directly, but news went through my teen niece, to her mom, and then to me, so I don't know for sure, but she may have been in an elevator that was automatically sent down to a basement level which is not normally open to the public, and held there until things were sorted out.
I also had some friends there, but haven't heard their full story either.
It's so scary. Where is it safe anymore? When you watch these stories on the news that take place other than where you live, you are a little bit removed from it emotionally, but being that this is the mall in my neighborhood that I've been to hundreds of times in the 30 yrs it's been open, it really hits home and makes me realize that it really could have been us.
*** Just talked to my mother in law. She was in an elevator that leads directly INTO the food court. The elevator doors opened just as the shooting started. They quickly pushed buttons trying to get those doors closed. They went to the lower level and ran down a hall that has mall offices at the end. It happened to be the security office where all the video monitors are. Another family came in after them, and they all stayed there 2 1/2 hours until they were allowed to leave. Way too close for comfort. My heart is pounding realizing what could have happened. She's in her mid 70's and was there with a lady friend. They can't run too fast like we would have. Scary.
Crystal 07:39 PM 12-11-2012
I thought about our members in Oregon when I saw the news about the shooting.
I am glad to know that you are okay, that your MIL is okay, and I hope that our other DCF members let us know that they are OK too!!!!
I am glad to know that you are okay, that your MIL is okay, and I hope that our other DCF members let us know that they are OK too!!!!
Scout 07:48 PM 12-11-2012
I don't watch the news so this is the first I am hearing of this! What is wrong with people today? We can't feel safe to even go to a movie or shopping without some crazed lunatic coming in with a gun? Glad everyone in your family is safe. It is far different from when I grew up & we just had to worry about talking to strangers.
Childminder 08:02 PM 12-11-2012
Just saw your post and turning on the news. First i'm hearing of this too. EEK!
mom2many 09:37 PM 12-11-2012
I heard about this on the radio tonight and came home to watch it on the news. My heart goes out to you and all of the families impacted by this. I'm so glad your MIL was okay and cannot imagine how scary this ordeal must have been.
Country Kids 11:03 PM 12-11-2012
I thought instantly of you when hearing the news and was going to email you but have not been near a computor all evening.
You, your entire family, especially MIL are in my thoughts and prayers!!!!!
I'm glad to hear they were able to make it to safety.
You, your entire family, especially MIL are in my thoughts and prayers!!!!!
I'm glad to hear they were able to make it to safety.
Countrygal 04:45 AM 12-12-2012
I don't watch TV and didn't hear of this! I am so glad your family is alright! God Bless!
Meeko 06:19 AM 12-12-2012
This is sooo similar to the shootings at Trolley Square in Salt Lake City a few years back. I shop there and it's a terrible feeling to think "that could have been me"
I guess rational people will never understand what makes someone do something so awful. Why they feel that innocent people have to die.
My old neighbor suffered from depression and decided to kill herself. Her choice? To drive up the canyon and when she saw a car coming the other way...to drive straight at it. She killed herself....but also killed the 16 year old girl in the other car immediately, followed by the girl's grandmother (the driver) who died of her injuries three days later. I had always felt sorry for the neighbor and helped any way I could, as did many of the neighbors. But we all felt so angry as well as sad at the situation.
Prayers for the victim's families. So glad the OP's family are OK. What a terrifying experience
I guess rational people will never understand what makes someone do something so awful. Why they feel that innocent people have to die.
My old neighbor suffered from depression and decided to kill herself. Her choice? To drive up the canyon and when she saw a car coming the other way...to drive straight at it. She killed herself....but also killed the 16 year old girl in the other car immediately, followed by the girl's grandmother (the driver) who died of her injuries three days later. I had always felt sorry for the neighbor and helped any way I could, as did many of the neighbors. But we all felt so angry as well as sad at the situation.
Prayers for the victim's families. So glad the OP's family are OK. What a terrifying experience
Blackcat31 06:21 AM 12-12-2012
Super scary that this kind of things happens so frequently now days. 
I am really glad you and ALL your family members are ok!
I am really glad you and ALL your family members are ok!
Lucy 09:06 AM 12-12-2012
In talking about this with my DCF, I found out that one of the mom's MIL was there too. Right downstairs from where my MIL was. She ran into Sephora and employees brought her and other customers into their back offices until they were rescued and escorted out by swat team members the same way my MIL was. That makes 3 parties of people I know who were there. We still don't know a motive. Next press conference is in an hour and they'll likely identify the shooter and 3 victims...one of which survived. They've only said he was a 22 yr old male. This was too close for comfort, ladies! I go there ALL the time. It's the only mall I go to. So easily could've been me or my family.
Country Kids 10:05 AM 12-12-2012
One of my daughters friends works in the mall and didn't know at first what was going on.
Her mom kept texting her telling her (somehow mom found out quick) to try and stay calm. Another friend was driving mom up there like crazy (2 1/2 hour drive).
Friend received a HUGE black eye from being elbowed trying to get out of there when they started running out. I guess it was sheer panic everywhere.
Her mom kept texting her telling her (somehow mom found out quick) to try and stay calm. Another friend was driving mom up there like crazy (2 1/2 hour drive).
Friend received a HUGE black eye from being elbowed trying to get out of there when they started running out. I guess it was sheer panic everywhere.
Sugar Magnolia 11:17 AM 12-12-2012
Perhaps a reinstatement of the assault rifle ban is in order. Nobody hunts with an automatic assault rifle and 100 round clips. 
Country Kids 11:36 AM 12-12-2012
Originally Posted by Sugar Magnolia:
Perhaps a reinstatement of the assault rifle ban is in order. Nobody hunts with an automatic assault rifle and 100 round clips.
On the newreport from the sheriff he stole/borrowed (I can't remember which) it from a friend. It wasn't even his!Perhaps a reinstatement of the assault rifle ban is in order. Nobody hunts with an automatic assault rifle and 100 round clips.
Lucy 11:37 AM 12-12-2012
Originally Posted by Sugar Magnolia:
Perhaps a reinstatement of the assault rifle ban is in order. Nobody hunts with an automatic assault rifle and 100 round clips.
Totally agree with you!!Perhaps a reinstatement of the assault rifle ban is in order. Nobody hunts with an automatic assault rifle and 100 round clips.
Lyss 02:29 PM 12-12-2012
It's very scary! I have friends that work there and I was just there last weekend!
I'm glad to hear your MIL and friends all made it out safely! I can't imagine the horror! You hear about these things more and more often but you never think its going to be your backyard or your shopping trip that it will happen on.
I'm glad to hear your MIL and friends all made it out safely! I can't imagine the horror! You hear about these things more and more often but you never think its going to be your backyard or your shopping trip that it will happen on.
Originally Posted by Country Kids:
On the newreport from the sheriff he stole/borrowed (I can't remember which) it from a friend. It wasn't even his!
I heard it was stolen. If I had a gun like that you can bet your booty it'd be locked up so no one would be getting to it!On the newreport from the sheriff he stole/borrowed (I can't remember which) it from a friend. It wasn't even his!