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Letter to the editor

Images of mall gunman contradict initial reports

OMAHA, Neb. - Chilling surveillance images released Friday show a shaggy-haired Robert Hawkins taking aim at holiday mall shoppers, and a suicide note offers compassion for his friends and contempt for his victims.

Surveillance video and still images of the attack show Hawkins initially walking into the mall unarmed, wearing glasses and a sweatshirt over a black T-shirt with a white logo. He returned to the store 6 minutes later, according to stamps on the footage. His right hand was tight against his midsection to hide what police said was an AK-47 assault rifle.

He fatally shot eight people at the Von Maur department store before turning the gun on himself Wednesday.

The photos appear to contradict earlier reports that the gunman had a military-style haircut and entered the mall wearing a camouflage vest. Also, the note made no mention of widely reported broadcast reports that he wrote he wanted to "go out in style." The 19-year-old gunman left the suicide note at the suburban house where he lived before going to Westroads Mall.

Also Friday, those who knew Hawkins most recently in suburban Bellevue said they tried to warn police about his behavior but got no response.

Bellevue police said the house where Hawkins lived is not in their jurisdiction. Sheriff's officials said they never received the complaint.

[Last modified December 8, 2007, 01:16:05]