40th anniversary of Charles Whitman's killing spree

cartman · 08-01-2006, 12:15 PM

For those around Austin wondering why the flags are at half-staff, today marks the 40th anniversary of Charles Whitman going to the top of the clock tower on the UT campus and opening fire.

For a long time, the topic seemed off-limits to discuss in Austin. I remember back when I went to UT 15 years ago, it was still hush-hush to talk about it. The top of the tower was closed from 1974 to 1999. You can still see bullet holes or places where the holes were patched in many places around campus. Now it seems enough time has passed that people are starting to talk about it more and try to put it into context. A truly sad event in the city's history.

MikeVic · 08-01-2006, 12:23 PM

I've never heard of this. What kind of damage was done (i.e. wounded, killed)?

duckman · 08-01-2006, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeVic

I've never heard of this. What kind of damage was done (i.e. wounded, killed)?

According to wiki:

"Whitman killed 15 people and wounded 31 others before he was shot dead by Austin police. Some accounts allege 16 or 17 victims, citing a later suicide stemming from the attacks, and a pregnant woman who subsequently miscarried."

hxxp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Whitman

MikeVic · 08-01-2006, 12:44 PM

That sucks.

Lorena · 08-01-2006, 12:48 PM

At the time, it was the worst crime in American history. A sad, sad day for sure

miami_fan · 08-01-2006, 02:04 PM

Didn't this incident lead to the creation of SWAT teams?

stevew · 08-01-2006, 02:08 PM

There's a movie about the event, starring a very young kurt russell.

08-01-2006, 02:04 PM	#6
miami_fan Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Land O Lakes FL	Didn't this incident lead to the creation of SWAT teams? __________________ "Do not be indifferent in the face of historical lies. Do not be indifferent when you see the past being exploited for the needs of contemporary politics. Do not be indifferent when any minority suffers discrimination. For it's the essence of democracy that the majority wields the power, but at the same time, the rights of the minority must be respected." Marian Turski- former prisoner of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and death camp

08-01-2006, 12:23 PM	#2
MikeVic Head Coach Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hometown of Canada	I've never heard of this. What kind of damage was done (i.e. wounded, killed)?

08-01-2006, 12:44 PM	#4
MikeVic Head Coach Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hometown of Canada	That sucks.

08-01-2006, 12:48 PM	#5
Lorena Unregistered Join Date: May 2004	At the time, it was the worst crime in American history. A sad, sad day for sure

08-01-2006, 02:08 PM	#7
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	There's a movie about the event, starring a very young kurt russell.

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