2009 Binghamton Shooting
Mass Shooting Incident
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Binghamton, New York
TIME PERIOD
April 3, 2009
VICTIMS
14 confirmed
On April 3, 2009, at approximately 10:30 a.m. EDT, Jiverly Antares Wong executed a mass shooting at the American Civic Association immigration center in Binghamton, New York, resulting in the deaths of 13 individuals and injuries to four others before taking his own life. Wong, who was armed with a 9mm Beretta 92FS Vertec Inox and a Beretta Px4 Storm .45 caliber, barricaded the rear door with a vehicle and opened fire on attendees, including an ESL class, without uttering a word. The incident, which lasted only a few minutes, prompted multiple 911 calls, with police arriving shortly thereafter; however, Wong had already inflicted significant casualties. The investigation revealed possible motives of anti-American sentiment and paranoid delusions regarding police harassment, marking this event as the deadliest mass shooting by a lone gunman in New York State history.
Jiverly Wong's motive for the Binghamton shooting is believed to stem from possible anti-American sentiments and paranoid delusions regarding perceived police harassment. Some speculate that his actions were fueled by a sense of alienation and frustration with his immigration experience in the U.S. Additionally, there are theories suggesting that the shooting was premeditated, as Wong took steps to barricade the entrance and was heavily armed.
The 2009 Binghamton Shooting: A Day of Tragedy
On a seemingly ordinary spring morning, April 3, 2009, the town of Binghamton, New York, became the site of a horrific mass shooting that shook the entire nation. This day would mark the deadliest mass shooting by a lone gunman in the state's history. The American Civic Association, an immigration center located at 42°5′59″N 75°55′3″W, became the tragic stage for Jiverly Antares Wong's violent rampage.
The Shooting Unfolds
At precisely 10:30 a.m. EDT, Jiverly Wong, a man known by another name, Jiverly Voong, launched his attack. He arrived at the American Civic Association in a vehicle registered in his father's name and, with chilling determination, barricaded the rear door. The 41-year-old gunman, clad in a bullet-proof vest, a bright green nylon jacket, and dark-rimmed glasses, entered the building through the front entrance and opened fire on unsuspecting victims.
Within moments, the serene morning shattered as bullets rained down on the Civic Association's reception area. Two receptionists were among the first victims. One, tragically, was shot through the head and killed. The other, Shirley DeLucia, despite being shot in the stomach, displayed remarkable courage. She feigned death and, when the opportunity arose, called 911, providing invaluable information for 39 minutes until her rescue.
The scene inside the building was one of chaos and terror. Wong stormed into a classroom where an English as a Second Language (ESL) class was in session. There, he shot 13 of the 16 people present, including the professor, before taking dozens of others hostage. The ordeal was brief but devastating. Police arrived quickly, but the sound of alarms drove Wong to a final act of violence—he turned the gun on himself at 10:33 a.m., ending the siege just three minutes after it began. In total, Wong fired 99 rounds, using a 9mm Beretta and a .45-caliber Beretta.
Police Response and Rescue
As the horror unfolded, local law enforcement locked down the surrounding area, including Binghamton High School and several streets. Unsure if Wong was still alive, the police enlisted the help of Tuong Hung Nguyen, an assistant professor fluent in Vietnamese, to possibly communicate with the gunman.
By 11:13 a.m., 43 minutes after the first 911 call, SWAT teams cautiously entered the Civic Center. Wong's fate was still unknown, so officers moved deliberately through the building. At noon, ten hostages managed to escape, with another ten following about 40 minutes later. Many had taken refuge in the basement and a closet to evade the shooter's wrath.
The search revealed Wong's body, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, among his victims in the first-floor classroom. On his person, officers found a hunting knife, a bag of ammunition around his neck, and two semi-automatic pistols matching the serial numbers on his New York State pistol license. Additional items included loaded magazines, empty high-capacity magazines, and a firearm laser sight. By 2:33 p.m., the building was cleared, and all survivors were evacuated.
The Perpetrator: Jiverly Antares Wong
Jiverly Wong, born Linh Phat Vuong on December 8, 1967, in South Vietnam, immigrated to the United States with his ethnic Chinese family in the late 1980s. After becoming a naturalized citizen in 1995, Wong's life was marked by a series of upheavals. He moved between New York and California, married and divorced Xiu Ping Jiang without having children, and worked various jobs, including a seven-year stint as a delivery man for Kikka Sushi in Los Angeles.
In 2007, Wong relocated to Binghamton to be near his parents and took English classes at the Civic Association. However, his attendance dwindled, and he eventually stopped attending altogether. Although rumors circulated that Wong recently lost a job at IBM in Endicott, New York, the company confirmed he was never employed there. Instead, he had worked at a Shop-Vac plant until it closed in November 2008.
Possible Motives and Paranoia
The motives behind Wong's deadly actions are shrouded in ambiguity. Reports suggest he felt "degraded and disrespected" due to his poor English skills and was depressed over job loss and employment struggles. Furthermore, a package sent to a Syracuse TV station after the shooting contained a letter filled with paranoid accusations about police misconduct and harassment, indicating Wong's disturbed mental state.
Despite Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud claiming responsibility for the attack, the FBI dismissed this claim, affirming Wong acted alone. Binghamton Police Chief Joseph Zikuski noted that Wong's actions were not entirely unexpected to those who knew him, as he had previously expressed anti-American sentiments and even mused about assassinating President Barack Obama.
The Victims
The attack claimed 13 lives and injured four others, leaving a community in mourning. Among the deceased were individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with their own story:
- Parveen Ali, 26, from Pakistan
- Almir Olimpio Alves, 43, a Brazilian scholar
- Marc Henry Bernard, 44, from Haiti
- Maria Sonia Bernard, 46, from Haiti
- Li Guo, 47, a scholar from China
- Lan Ho, 39, from Vietnam
- Layla Khalil, 53, an Iraqi mother
- Roberta King, 72, an ESL substitute teacher
- Jiang Ling, 22, from China
- Hong Xiu "Amy" Mao Marsland, 35, a nail technician from China
- Dolores Yigal, 53, from the Philippines
- Hai Hong Zhong, 54, from China
- Maria Zobniw, 60, a Civic Association caseworker
The wounded were swiftly treated at local hospitals, including Shirley DeLucia and Long Huynh, whose wife Lan Ho was among those killed.
Community and National Response
The tragedy drew responses from across the nation. President Barack Obama condemned the "senseless violence" and extended condolences to the victims' families. In a gesture of mourning, New York Governor David Paterson ordered state flags flown at half-staff. Wong's parents, residing in Johnson City, New York, expressed their sorrow and apologized for their son's heinous actions.
The Binghamton shooting left an indelible mark on the community, highlighting the pervasive issues of gun violence and mental health in America. As the town grappled with the aftermath, the stories of the victims and the heroism of those like Shirley DeLucia served as poignant reminders of the human spirit's resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
Sources
For more detailed information, visit the original article on Wikipedia.
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Mass Shooting Occurs
Jiverly Antares Wong enters the American Civic Association and opens fire, killing 13 and injuring 4 before committing suicide.
First Police Response
Broome County Communications receives 911 calls at 10:30 a.m. and dispatches police to the scene.
Wong Commits Suicide
After firing 99 rounds, Wong commits suicide at 10:33 a.m., just three minutes after starting the attack.
SWAT Team Enters
SWAT team enters the Civic Center building at 11:13 a.m. to clear the area and ensure no further threats.
Governor's Response
New York Governor David Paterson orders state flags to be flown at half staff in honor of the victims.
Parents Apologize
Jiverly Wong's parents issue a public apology for their son's actions, expressing grief and seeking forgiveness.
Victims Identified
The identities of the 13 victims are published, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and stories.
Letter Sent to TV Station
A package from Wong is received by a local TV station, containing a letter and personal items, postmarked the day of the shooting.
On April 3, 2009, at approximately 10:30 a.m. EDT, Jiverly Antares Wong executed a mass shooting at the American Civic Association immigration center in Binghamton, New York, resulting in the deaths of 13 individuals and injuries to four others before taking his own life. Wong, who was armed with a 9mm Beretta 92FS Vertec Inox and a Beretta Px4 Storm .45 caliber, barricaded the rear door with a vehicle and opened fire on attendees, including an ESL class, without uttering a word. The incident, which lasted only a few minutes, prompted multiple 911 calls, with police arriving shortly thereafter; however, Wong had already inflicted significant casualties. The investigation revealed possible motives of anti-American sentiment and paranoid delusions regarding police harassment, marking this event as the deadliest mass shooting by a lone gunman in New York State history.
Jiverly Wong's motive for the Binghamton shooting is believed to stem from possible anti-American sentiments and paranoid delusions regarding perceived police harassment. Some speculate that his actions were fueled by a sense of alienation and frustration with his immigration experience in the U.S. Additionally, there are theories suggesting that the shooting was premeditated, as Wong took steps to barricade the entrance and was heavily armed.
The 2009 Binghamton Shooting: A Day of Tragedy
On a seemingly ordinary spring morning, April 3, 2009, the town of Binghamton, New York, became the site of a horrific mass shooting that shook the entire nation. This day would mark the deadliest mass shooting by a lone gunman in the state's history. The American Civic Association, an immigration center located at 42°5′59″N 75°55′3″W, became the tragic stage for Jiverly Antares Wong's violent rampage.
The Shooting Unfolds
At precisely 10:30 a.m. EDT, Jiverly Wong, a man known by another name, Jiverly Voong, launched his attack. He arrived at the American Civic Association in a vehicle registered in his father's name and, with chilling determination, barricaded the rear door. The 41-year-old gunman, clad in a bullet-proof vest, a bright green nylon jacket, and dark-rimmed glasses, entered the building through the front entrance and opened fire on unsuspecting victims.
Within moments, the serene morning shattered as bullets rained down on the Civic Association's reception area. Two receptionists were among the first victims. One, tragically, was shot through the head and killed. The other, Shirley DeLucia, despite being shot in the stomach, displayed remarkable courage. She feigned death and, when the opportunity arose, called 911, providing invaluable information for 39 minutes until her rescue.
The scene inside the building was one of chaos and terror. Wong stormed into a classroom where an English as a Second Language (ESL) class was in session. There, he shot 13 of the 16 people present, including the professor, before taking dozens of others hostage. The ordeal was brief but devastating. Police arrived quickly, but the sound of alarms drove Wong to a final act of violence—he turned the gun on himself at 10:33 a.m., ending the siege just three minutes after it began. In total, Wong fired 99 rounds, using a 9mm Beretta and a .45-caliber Beretta.
Police Response and Rescue
As the horror unfolded, local law enforcement locked down the surrounding area, including Binghamton High School and several streets. Unsure if Wong was still alive, the police enlisted the help of Tuong Hung Nguyen, an assistant professor fluent in Vietnamese, to possibly communicate with the gunman.
By 11:13 a.m., 43 minutes after the first 911 call, SWAT teams cautiously entered the Civic Center. Wong's fate was still unknown, so officers moved deliberately through the building. At noon, ten hostages managed to escape, with another ten following about 40 minutes later. Many had taken refuge in the basement and a closet to evade the shooter's wrath.
The search revealed Wong's body, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, among his victims in the first-floor classroom. On his person, officers found a hunting knife, a bag of ammunition around his neck, and two semi-automatic pistols matching the serial numbers on his New York State pistol license. Additional items included loaded magazines, empty high-capacity magazines, and a firearm laser sight. By 2:33 p.m., the building was cleared, and all survivors were evacuated.
The Perpetrator: Jiverly Antares Wong
Jiverly Wong, born Linh Phat Vuong on December 8, 1967, in South Vietnam, immigrated to the United States with his ethnic Chinese family in the late 1980s. After becoming a naturalized citizen in 1995, Wong's life was marked by a series of upheavals. He moved between New York and California, married and divorced Xiu Ping Jiang without having children, and worked various jobs, including a seven-year stint as a delivery man for Kikka Sushi in Los Angeles.
In 2007, Wong relocated to Binghamton to be near his parents and took English classes at the Civic Association. However, his attendance dwindled, and he eventually stopped attending altogether. Although rumors circulated that Wong recently lost a job at IBM in Endicott, New York, the company confirmed he was never employed there. Instead, he had worked at a Shop-Vac plant until it closed in November 2008.
Possible Motives and Paranoia
The motives behind Wong's deadly actions are shrouded in ambiguity. Reports suggest he felt "degraded and disrespected" due to his poor English skills and was depressed over job loss and employment struggles. Furthermore, a package sent to a Syracuse TV station after the shooting contained a letter filled with paranoid accusations about police misconduct and harassment, indicating Wong's disturbed mental state.
Despite Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud claiming responsibility for the attack, the FBI dismissed this claim, affirming Wong acted alone. Binghamton Police Chief Joseph Zikuski noted that Wong's actions were not entirely unexpected to those who knew him, as he had previously expressed anti-American sentiments and even mused about assassinating President Barack Obama.
The Victims
The attack claimed 13 lives and injured four others, leaving a community in mourning. Among the deceased were individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with their own story:
- Parveen Ali, 26, from Pakistan
- Almir Olimpio Alves, 43, a Brazilian scholar
- Marc Henry Bernard, 44, from Haiti
- Maria Sonia Bernard, 46, from Haiti
- Li Guo, 47, a scholar from China
- Lan Ho, 39, from Vietnam
- Layla Khalil, 53, an Iraqi mother
- Roberta King, 72, an ESL substitute teacher
- Jiang Ling, 22, from China
- Hong Xiu "Amy" Mao Marsland, 35, a nail technician from China
- Dolores Yigal, 53, from the Philippines
- Hai Hong Zhong, 54, from China
- Maria Zobniw, 60, a Civic Association caseworker
The wounded were swiftly treated at local hospitals, including Shirley DeLucia and Long Huynh, whose wife Lan Ho was among those killed.
Community and National Response
The tragedy drew responses from across the nation. President Barack Obama condemned the "senseless violence" and extended condolences to the victims' families. In a gesture of mourning, New York Governor David Paterson ordered state flags flown at half-staff. Wong's parents, residing in Johnson City, New York, expressed their sorrow and apologized for their son's heinous actions.
The Binghamton shooting left an indelible mark on the community, highlighting the pervasive issues of gun violence and mental health in America. As the town grappled with the aftermath, the stories of the victims and the heroism of those like Shirley DeLucia served as poignant reminders of the human spirit's resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
Sources
For more detailed information, visit the original article on Wikipedia.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Mass Shooting Occurs
Jiverly Antares Wong enters the American Civic Association and opens fire, killing 13 and injuring 4 before committing suicide.
First Police Response
Broome County Communications receives 911 calls at 10:30 a.m. and dispatches police to the scene.
Wong Commits Suicide
After firing 99 rounds, Wong commits suicide at 10:33 a.m., just three minutes after starting the attack.
SWAT Team Enters
SWAT team enters the Civic Center building at 11:13 a.m. to clear the area and ensure no further threats.
Governor's Response
New York Governor David Paterson orders state flags to be flown at half staff in honor of the victims.
Parents Apologize
Jiverly Wong's parents issue a public apology for their son's actions, expressing grief and seeking forgiveness.
Victims Identified
The identities of the 13 victims are published, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and stories.
Letter Sent to TV Station
A package from Wong is received by a local TV station, containing a letter and personal items, postmarked the day of the shooting.