The LinkedIn profile of Houston lawyer Nathan DeSai, who shot 9 people during an early morning shooting spree Monday. Image courtesy of KHOU News.
Nine people were wounded early Monday morning after a troubled lawyer opened fire on several passersby in affluent Houston neighborhood West University Place, authorities say. Police ultimately shot and killed the unidentified gunman, who was said to have some issues with his law firm.
According to Houston Police Chief Martha Montalvo, initial reports of the shooting came in around 6:30 a.m. as the suspect began firing at officers as they arrived on the scene. Montalvo also said that several weapons were found at the scene and that bomb squad officers were in the process of canvasing the gunman’s residence.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who is currently away on business in Cuba, according to the New York Daily News, described the suspect as “disgruntled.”
“He was either fired or had a bad relationship with this law firm,” Turner told KTRK-TV.
“The investigation is active,” he added. “It’s very, very early. We want to make sure there is no other gunman. We are checking every angle, I can assure you.”
One eyewitness told the news station he heard “over 100 shots” fired, seemingly from AR-15 style assault rifles. Another witness, who inadvertently drove into the suspect’s shootout with police, said he could “literally hear the gunfire flying,” Yahoo news reports. He managed to escape unharmed.
According to Montalvo, one of the nine victims is in critical condition while another is listed in serious condition. Three others have already been treated and released from the hospital.
Total of nine persons injured One in critical at Memorial Hermann Hospital. One serious at Ben Taub Suspect is deceased. FBI on scene.
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) September 26, 2016
Suspect vehicle had additional weapons inside. #hounews.
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) September 26, 2016
Shelter in place has been lifted for the area of Bissonnet/Weslayan; Anyone with info please contact HPD Homicide 713-308-3600 #hounews
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) September 26, 2016
UPDATE: Police have identified the gun man as 46-year-old Nathan DeSai, a local lawyer who recently founded his own law firm.
According to KTRK-TV, Nazi paraphernalia and several weapons were reportedly found in DeSai’s abandoned black Porshe. Police confirmed that the vehicle was registered to him.
