Gunman in Saipan Shoots at Korean Tourists Killing Five

A man shot and killed four individuals before turning the gun on himself in two separate shootings in Marpi and Kannat Tabla. Details of the shootings are still sketchy.

In the Kannat Tabla shooting, the fatalities were two men in their late 20s and early 30s, both local residents, and two children under 10 years old. The two adult victims sustained gunshot wounds in the head, and police are saying they were shot at close range.

The shooter then proceeded to Last Command Post and shot a group of mostly Korean tourists, wounding eight. The victims included two Korean children. He then went to Banzai Cliff where he shot himself.

Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez confirmed with Saipan Tribune that five individuals are dead. Eight others are injured and “all are expected to live.” He said four of those injured will be discharged.

Teresa Kim, legal counsel for Lt. Gov. Eloy Inos, said at least one was critically injured and in surgery. Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, in an announcement on FM radio station Power 99 at past 3 pm, said “everything is now under control” and asked the public for calm. Preliminary information stated that the gunman is an employee at the Marpi shooting range.

The governor said all Public School System buildings followed the appropriate procedures and locked down all of the schools as of 1:30 pm. DPS gave the all clear signal to PSS and other agencies that the situation is under control and they can lift the lockdown.

Six South Korean tourists were wounded Friday in the Pacific resort island of Saipan as unidentified gunmen sprayed bullets, officials here said. The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that the gunman, who is presumed to be a local resident, shot some 10 bullets to the group of tourists in Marpi at 11 a.m.