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Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Oregon Legislature. This is a venue for political and policy coverage of the state government in Salem and its impact on the people of Oregon.

Roseburg Looks For Answers In Wake Of Mass Shooting

John Rosman
/
OPB
Roseburg community members held a vigil for the victims of Thusday's shooting at Umpqua Community College.

There's still no known motive for the gunman who opened fire Thursday at Umpqua Community College in southern Oregon. The city of Roseburg was rocked by news that ten people died in the shooting.

The school's interim president, Rita Cavin spoke Thursday evening at a candlelight vigil in a local park. She said she hopes people will respond to the shooting with words of peace.

"Anger caused this and we can't have anger around us right this minute,” Cavin said. “We need love and compassion and healing, and it's going to take a long time."

Police have told reporters the shooter was 26-year-old Chris Harper Mercer. Police say he died in a gunfight with responding officers.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown has ordered the state's flags to half-staff until sundown Friday.