40th anniversary of Charles Whitman's killing spree

[cartman]

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]

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

[duckman]

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]

That sucks. :(

[Lorena]

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

[miami_fan]

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

[stevew]

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