A manhunt is underway, after a Thai soldier entered a shopping mall and killing at least 20 people and wounding 30 others in a shooting rampage in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima in the northeast of Thailand.
According to the NY Post, officials have identified the suspect as Jakrapanth Thomma. Police report that he posted on his Facebook page earlier in the day that “Death is inevitable for everyone.” He also posted a picture of what appeared to be his hand holding a gun.
At one point after the shooting rampage had begun, Thomma posted on his social media, “Should I give up?” before his account became inaccessible.
A police spokesman told reporters at least 20 people had been killed, and 30 others injured, including a doctor, was shot while helping an injured person.
“We don’t know why he did this. It appears he went mad,” said Defense Ministry spokesman Kongcheep Tantrawanit.
Thai media is reporting that the suspect’s mother was being brought to the location to try to persuade Thomma to give himself up.
The drama unfolded around 3:30 p.m. when police say Thomma fatally shot his commanding officer at a military base and then attacked the Terminal 21 mall in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat.
“A combined force of police and military has started their operation to evacuate people who have been stuck inside the building,” defense ministry spokesman Lt. Gen. Kongcheep Tantravanich said in a statement, adding that law enforcement officers were doing their best to maintain control the situation.
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