Gunman to 911: "Handled Problem" at Warehouse

(CBS/AP)  Updated at 5:49 p.m. ET

The man who went on a shooting rampage at a beer distributor calmly told a 911 operator that it was "a racist place" and that he had taken matters into his own hands to "handle the problem."

Omar Thornton, 34, called 911 after shooting 10 co-workers - eight fatally - on Tuesday morning at Hartford Distributors. He introduced himself as "the shooter over in Manchester" and said he was hiding in the building, but would not say where.

Listen to the 911 Call

First Clip
Second Clip
Third Clip

"You probably want to know the reason why I shot this place up," he said, his voice steady. "This place is a racist place. They treat me bad over here. They treat all the black employees bad over here, too.

"So I took into my own hands and handled the problem," he said. "I wish I could have got more of the people."

Connecticut State Police released the audio of the 911 call on Thursday, the same day company and union officials rebutted suggestions that the company had ignored Thornton's complaints of racism.

Thornton went on his rampage moments after he was forced to resign when confronted with videotaped evidence that he had been stealing beer and selling it.

His relatives and girlfriend had suggested his anger was fueled by racial bias in the workplace, but the 911 call confirmed Thornton believed he was avenging racist treatment.

Hartford Distributors president Ross Hollander said there was no record to support claims of "racial insensitivity" made through the internal anti-harassment policy, the union grievance process or state or federal agencies.

"Nonetheless, these ugly allegations have been raised and the company will cooperate with any investigation," Hollander said.

The union said 14 of 69 dock workers, or 20 percent, were racial minorities - four black, nine Hispanic, one Asian.

The 911 operator attempted to keep Thornton on the phone and to talk him into surrendering. Thornton said he would not give up his location in the building and knew police were looking for him.

"When they find me, that's when everything will be over," he said, assuring the operator he was not going to kill anyone else.

He then said he saw a SWAT team and hastened to get off the phone.

"Tell my people I love them and I gotta go now," he said.

Police found him dead with a gunshot wound to his head.

More on Shooting

911 Tape in Conn. Shooting Highlights Racial Gap
Cops: Beer Warehouse Gunman Targeted Managers
Family: Racial Bias Caused Conn. Gunman to Snap
Omar Thornton: "I Killed the Five Racists"
Hartford Shooter Has "Never Been Violent"
9 Dead in Conn. Beer Distributor Shooting

[pragmatist1]

Neither the company owners or employees or even union representatives should feel compelled to explain any of the charges of racism this racist murderer claimed. I hope all of the victims sue the racist murderer's family in a civil suit. This guy was a racist, hated whites, hated authority, was a thief and liar, and murderer and he's will never be the victim of anything. Come on Sharpton and Jackson and others. Let's hear you defend this guy's actions. Better yet, let's hear your profound apologies for contributing and inciting people like this guy to commit these types of heinous hate crimes.

[heavynne]

The truth of the matter is, you never know how much a person can take. He probably was dealing with racism, a dying person will not lie, what reason would he have to. There are people who kill others everyday, these shootings are nothing new in companies. Not everyone handles stress in a sane manner. The company claims he didn't file any paperwork but I am sure he probably did complain to them and his complaints were ignored, just like a lot of you on here want us all to pretend that racism isn't a problem in America. In reality racism is how America is run. If you don't believe me, just look at the racist and stereotypes aimed at all blacks in America from many bloggers.

[dcruz01]

What are you talking about? The real truth of this matter is that it's Ok for a black person to be racist against other races, but it's not Ok for others, your such a hypocrite. As a Latino, I have experienced racism from more blacks than any other race. Stop making excuses for this man, he was caught stealing on camera, the company problem suspected he was stealing so they set up a camera to catch him. There is no sufficient evidence that there was racism involved, just his excuse for killing innocent victims. I am not saying that racism does not exist because it does, but blacks are not the only once being targeted.

[get_down]

Soooo this thug - a.k.a. Omar Thornton, 34, finally ended his own life?! My condolence goes to his victims and their families. In terms of Mr. Thornton who chose to become a thug and cold-bloodedly murdered so many folks - I've zero sympathy for him and his like.

[dcruz01]

"I wish I could have got more of the people." I can't believe he would said this. He was caught stealing, how can he blame others for his own actions.

Scone47, what does President Obama have to do with this? He isn't the blame for what this monster did, no one is the blame but he himself. I hope that God has more mercy on him that he did these poor inocent victims.

[LindaBelly50]

It appears that this person had problems from the get-go in managing life in general. It is so much easier to blame others than to accept the fact that much of what he was dealing with was of his own creation. This was not an act of impulse; the shooter was well prepared far in advance of this incident and was just looking for, what he thought was, the perfect time. Any which way you look at this, this was a totally unnecessary tragedy for all involved.

[Kauaiguy]

I am neither white or black and I find it appalling when I hear a Black person blaming the white for his or her troubles. Just as I find it equally offensive when I hear white folks talk about how Black can't do anything right.

There are good and bad people in ALL races and I think that ALL people should first look in their own backyard (if not into the mirror) before making a derogatory comment about the other person.

[democracy5]

Thank you for your thoughtful and intelligent comment.

[rs108]

I agree, I am so sick of hearing the word African-Americans. I don't give a rip what color people are, if you are an American then you are an American..period If you have to put another country in front of America then perhaps you should go back to that country and see how good we have it here.

[sexyrecie1]

NOT ALL BLACKS STEAL JUST LIKE NOT ALL WHITES STEAL THERE IS NO EXCUSE 2 TAKE ANYONE ELSE'S LIFE NO ONE IS PROMISED SO BE AWARE THAT IF U HAVE EVIL IN YOUR HEART IN ANYWAY TOWARD ANOTHER HUMAN BEING IT COMES AROUND AND GET YOU WITHOUT WARNING I DONT HATE ANYBODY AND IM PRAYING 4 WHOEVA HATES ME RACISM IS OUT HERE U HAVE 2 TREAT PEOPLE THE WAY YOU WANT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY 2 BE TREATED AND ITS NO EXCUSES PEOPLE $LNO$

[tmn]

It's horrible he killed others.

It's good he killed himself.

[Luinaz]

Imagine having your loved one murdered in this way and then having their reputation ruined by then being labelled a racist! This guy never filed a complaint either with the employer nor with the Teamster's Union. Seeing his mother on TV accusing the victims of racism made my blood boil. He got caught on video STEALING from his employer and he got fired the same as anybody of any race would have.
Although he shot 10 people (not 5) he only managed to rid the world on one racist--HIMSELF.

[tmn]

"Although he shot 10 people (not 5) he only managed to rid the world on one racist--HIMSELF."

EXACTLY!

[whatisit21]

all killers make up reasons why they kill. Killers are selfish people. That's why he killed himself. He was too selfish to be brought before the people.