Comments on: Mall Shooter A Dropout With Criminal Past

19-Year-Old Gunman Lost Job And Girlfriend In Weeks Prior To Deadly Attack

[cherilynn2-2009]

I have to agree with some of the other commentors, Maruca-Kovac is an idiot. She should have saw something coming and could have possibly prevented this from happening. And why the big publicity on Hawkins, we''re just giving him what he wanted. He has achieved his goal. I hope everyone can pray for the families of the victims at this time.

[pavlikogirl]

I personally knew this kid and he was a good friend i never thought hed do something like this. this is shocking and scary, prayers go out to the families

[ladyephesus1]

I just feel sorry for the boy. He should have received more help. People are just cruel.This is the world we live in now.Nobody gives a rats *ss about anyone anymore. Kids are being put out with no concern from the family. This guy had nobody!!
This poor woman tries to save a child that wasnt even her own. This was preventable for sure.

[hotpaulie]

I know Nebraska is a NRA gun loving state, but how did this "troubled" kid get such a gun?

These people that decide to go on shooting rampages should first commit suicide and then try to hurt others.

[rod4chiefs]

I would just like to ask Ms. Maruca-Kovac why she thought it was alright for an adolescent with a drinking problem and possible drug problem, and, who had just lost his job and his girl, to have a semi-automatic rifle in his possession. Too many parent/guardians look the other way when teenagers in their households are in possession of weapons. No wonder there are so many young people who strike out at innocent people because they feel that there is no other way for them to work out their frustrations.

[eggy1620]

Prinzowhales, you%u2019re right on. That woman, through her public comments, has just opened herself up to a world of lawsuits from which her family will never recover.

[lilbeards1]

V_161877, a few tips for you...

1. Take an English course and learn some writing skills.
2. Get a life
3. Go post your comments on an article that is actually relavant to your "issues".

[gunownerdan]

Anyone else notice that these mass shootings almost always happen in "gun free zones"?
Killers love defenseless victims.

[stevex47]

"his weapon of choice to gain fame was a gun it could just as easily been a knife club or explosive device just look on the net."

Okay, then make him use a knife of deivce. Pulling a trigger is too easy to take out so many.

[craigh9]

Why is the media giving this person the attention he craved. You are setting the stage for future events by individuals that want to "become famous" by taking innocent lives. This could be reported without giving the shooter the "glory" he desired.

[biguugly]

The loss of life is a tragedy .Both for the victims famileys and this young mans.
his weapon of choice to gain fame was a gun it could just as easily been a knife club or explosive device just look on the net .

[jumkey]

We all ought to send thank you notes to the NRA for working so hard to ensure people like Hawkins continue to have access to weapons.

[justfacts2]

Why is it when a person is suicidal they don''t kill just themselves? Why is it they take innocent strangers with them? I hope this jerk is rotting in eternity for what he did. My heart goes out to his family for this jerk''s stupidity and selfishness during a holiday season. I cannot begin to fathom what that family is going through or the families of the victims.

[prinzowhales]

Maruca-Kovac has to be the stupidest creature...She was afraid he was going to commit suicide...he showed her a rifle and she thought little of it...2+2...2 2...wait a minute...the answer will come to me in a moment....

[toolmangler-2009]

That question is moot. you want rifles? Google "guns for sale", it''s that easy

[frankson2]

THE ARTICLE DOES NOT ADDRESS THE QUESTION AS TO HOW HE GOT AHOLD OF THE RIFLE. UNTIL THAT QUESTION IS ANSWERED THE COVERAGE IS INCOMPLETE.