A courthouse in the city of Las Vegas, Nevada became the stage of a shootout that resulted in a most unfortunate tragedy. The incident happened early morning, just before the civil servants in the local courthouse would arrive and settle in for a long day of work. Roughly past 8 am, a series of gunshots followed one after another. The courthouse in question was none other than the Lloyd D. George US Courthouse and Federal Building. It was inaugurated seven years ago and named after a senior federal judge who up to now continues to hear cases. It houses several federal courts and offices for federal officials including Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign.

A man dressed in a black ensemble composed of jacket, shirt and pants hid a shotgun in his person and took it out once he was within the lobby of the courthouse. He opened fire, shooting the metal detectors inside the rotunda. Seven officers responded to the security breach. Long term security officer Stanley W. Cooper, was killed in the line of duty as he tried to apprehend the individual who had entered the building. He took a fatal hit from unknown gunman and died of the injury. Other than Cooper, another security marshal also sustained an injury, a shot to the arm, and is in stable condition. Currently, the other injured officer’s identity has not been disclosed as of press time. The gunman was eventually deterred in the successive gunfire versus the security marshals. However, he was not taken in alive and died in the struggle.

Right after the exchange of gunfire subsided, the employees of the building who were already within the premises were asked to leave from the back. Both senators were not present during the shootout however Senator Ensign proceeded to the locus upon hearing about the happening. The standard procedure was enacted to make sure that the place was cleared for safety and security purposes. Police helicopters circled over the perimeter, making surveillance from above. Back on solid ground, officers closed off the surrounding blocks to the public.

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(Sidenote: The callous voice of nickyflips surely made the shooting, not a shooting)

Investigation is ongoing with regards the shootout. As of now, the now-dead intruder has not yet been identified. The motive for this has not yet been found. Authorities have mentioned that terrorism was likely not to be the motive for the incident. Exact details of the matter will be released to the public in due time.

Senator Harry Reid, the current Senate majority lead, sends his condolences and gratitude to the family of Officer Cooper for the job well done in the line of duty.

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