The Tragedy at 101 California Street: A Day of Horror

A Day of Unthinkable Violence

On a seemingly ordinary afternoon in San Francisco, July 1, 1993, the bustling office building at 101 California Street became the scene of a chilling mass shooting. The attack, carried out by Gian Luigi Ferri, a 55-year-old failed entrepreneur, would mark a pivotal moment in the history of gun legislation in the United States. By the time his rampage ended, the lives of eight innocent people were lost, and six others were left wounded. Ferri's actions would echo in legal and legislative corridors, eventually contributing to the enactment of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act in 1994.

The Attack Unfolds

At precisely 2:57 p.m., Ferri entered the offices of Pettit & Martin, a law firm located on the 34th floor of the skyscraper. Clad in ear protectors, he wielded two Intratec TEC-DC9 pistols and a Norinco M1911 pistol, armed with a lethal combination of Black Talon hollow point and standard ammunition. Ferri's motives for targeting this specific firm remain shrouded in mystery, though he had previously expressed a deep-seated grudge against lawyers. In a grim twist of fate, his elevator stopped at the 34th floor due to a button press by a secretary, setting the stage for the ensuing carnage.

Ferri moved methodically, descending through the internal staircase to lower floors, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake. As the San Francisco Police closed in, Ferri turned his weapon on himself, ending his life and bringing the rampage to a close.

Unanswered Questions and a Troubling Manifesto

In the aftermath, investigators were left to decipher a four-page typed letter left by Ferri. This document, rife with grammatical errors and written entirely in capital letters, offered little insight into his motives. Ferri listed grievances against Pettit & Martin, alleging they had "raped" him in prior dealings, and bizarrely claimed he had been poisoned by monosodium glutamate. His manifesto also targeted the Food and Drug Administration, the legal profession, and included a list of over 30 individuals he labeled as "criminals, rapists, racketeers, lobbyists," none of whom were his actual victims.

The Victims

Lives Tragically Cut Short

• Shirley Mooser, 64, a secretary at the Trust Company of the West, fell victim to Ferri's bullets.
• Allen J. Berk, 52, a respected labor law partner at Pettit & Martin, known for his contributions to the legal community.
• Donald "Mike" Merrill, 48, an energy industry consultant with the Trust Company of the West, lost his life in the attack.
• Jack Berman, 36, a partner at Bronson, Bronson & McKinnon, was at Pettit & Martin for a deposition. Berman, noted for his pro bono work and advocacy, died alongside his client, Jody Sposato.
• Deborah Fogel, 33, a legal secretary with Davis Wright Tremaine, was among the casualties.
• Jody Jones Sposato, 30, a young mother and plaintiff in a sex discrimination lawsuit, was killed while attending a deposition.
• David Sutcliffe, 30, a law student interning at Pettit & Martin, lost his life during the attack.
• John Scully, 28, a Pettit & Martin lawyer, died heroically while shielding his wife from the gunman.

Those Who Survived

• Victoria Smith, 41, and Sharon Jones O'Roke, 35, who was the first shot during the attack, survived their injuries.
• Michelle Scully, 27, and Deanna Eaves, 33, a court reporter, were among the injured.
• Brian F. Berger, 39, who succumbed to his injuries two years later, at age 41.
• Charles Ross, 42, also survived the ordeal.

Aftermath and Legislative Changes

The horror of that day spurred a wave of advocacy for stricter gun control measures. California responded with some of the toughest gun laws in the nation. Organizations such as the Legal Community Against Violence and the Jack Berman Advocacy Center emerged, dedicating themselves to reducing gun violence and advocating for policy change.

The attack also dealt a severe blow to Pettit & Martin, which was already struggling. The firm never fully recovered and dissolved in 1995 following the departure of several partners.

Remembering the Impact

The 101 California Street shooting remains a significant chapter in the ongoing dialogue about gun violence and regulation in America. It serves as a grim reminder of the potential for tragedy and the relentless pursuit of justice and safety in its aftermath.

Sources

• The Bay Area's deadliest mass shootings
• Falling Down, People
• San Francisco Gunman's Rage Is Revealed in Four-page Letter, Chicago Tribune
• Seeking Motive in the Killing of 8: Insane Ramblings Are Little Help, The New York Times
• High-quality tax return preparation for Bay Area families
• Jack Berman Award of Achievement, The State Bar of California

For further reading, visit the Wikipedia article.