Shots Fired at Johnson Space Center-Updated

Lydia

Newest **UPDATE**
Does this make ANY sense?
It seems that Mr. Phillips had feared losing his job, had argued with Mr. Beverly and then later killed him.
Since when does killing someone guarantee job security?
Hearing more about this case it seems that Ms. Crenshaw actually played an important role in quieting Mr. Phillips and keeping him under control, if that can be said in a case such as this.
What a terrible tradgedy. -LL

**UPDATE**

The shooter has been identified as Bill Phillips, a veteren engineer of Jacobs Engineering, which provides support to the space station. Phillips took two hostages--identified as Fran Crenshaw and David Beverly--with whom he had lunched earlier in the day. Unfortunately, Mr. Phillips shot and killed Mr. Beverly. After several hours, he then shot himself in the head. It is still unclear whether Ms. Crenshaw broke free or was released from her bounds by police after the shooting (news agencies are reporting different things on this matter), but we are happy to hear that she survived the ordeal. At the same time, our deepest condolences go out to the Beverly family.

The FBI entered Mr. Phillips' home in Clear Lake after securing a search warrant, however the motive for the shooting is still unclear. This is the first time in the history of Johnson Space Center that an event like this has ever taken place.

Mr. Beverly had been awarded an exceptional achievement medal earlier this month by Johnson Space Center.

These horrible events are not expected to interfere with the Soyuz landing tomorrow in Kazakhstan.

Several news agencies are reporting more information as it becomes available.

BBC News:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6578167.stm

Houston Chronicle: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4734389.html

New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/21/us/21houston.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin

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Breaking News

An individual walked into a conference room within building 44 at Johnson Space Center a short time ago. He pointed a gun at an unknown individual, and ordered everyone else to leave.

At least two shots were fired. No other information is known at this time. S.W.A.T. is on the scene, and it appears there is at least one hostage.

There will be a N.A.S.A. news conference soon.

Shots Fired at Johnson Space Center-Updated

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