Police say 'drifter' killed 2, injured 9 in Lafayette, La. movie theater shooting

The man who opened fire in a Louisiana movie theater Thursday night, killing two patrons before turning the gun on himself when police blocked his escape, was a “drifter” from Alabama who had a collection of disguises in his motel room and a trick license plate on his 20-year-old Lincoln Continental, police said Friday.

Lafayette Police identified John Russel Houser, 59 as the gunman who carried out the attack at the Grand 16 Theater during a screening of Amy Schumer’s “Trainwreck.” Killed were Jillian Johnson, 33, a well-known local businesswoman and Mayci Breaux, 21, an employee at a fashionable woman’s boutique. Nine others were injured in the shooting, including reportedly Breaux's boyfriend.

“He’s kind of a drifter,” Police Chief Jim Craft told a news conference.

Details about the gunman quickly emerged from the press conference and online postings, painting a picture of a troubled and erratic man who had described his occupation as “hustling.”

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Hennepin County sheriff statement

Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek released the following statement in response to the shooting:

"The tragic mass casualty incidents in Tennessee and Louisiana are reminders that everyone needs to know what to do during active shooter emergencies. To learn about how to respond, watch the video, "Run, Hide, Fight" or find the video at www.youtube.com/hennepinsheriff.

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office reminds you that if you See Something, Say Something. If you hear a threat or see suspicious activity, contact local law enforcement or call 911."