Jared Lougher, the 22-year-old suspected gunman in Saturday’s Tucson, Ariz. shooting, had five run-ins with Pima Community College campus police and was suspended for violating the student code of conduct — ultimately resulting in his withdrawal from the college, according to a CBS News report.
CBS reported that the five incidents occurred between February and September 2010, and consisted of library and class disruptions. On Sept. 29, police discovered one of Loughner’s YouTube videos, in which he claimed the college was illegal according to the U.S. Constitution.
Pima Community College suspended Loughner and sent home a letter of suspension to his parents. The letter forbid Loughner from returning to campus except to schedule an appointment and talk about the school’s code of conduct and his suspension. Police officials talked to both Loughner and his parents, CBS reported.
On Oct.4, Loughner withdrew from school. On Oct. 7, Pima sent a letter to Loughner telling him that if he wanted to return to Pima, he would need to obtain a letter from a mental health official indicating “his presence at the college does not present a danger to himself or others.”
After that letter, Pima officials said they had no further contact with Loughner.
Described by classmates and acquaintances as a loner with bizarre beliefs, it came as no surprise to many when Loughner was charged with shooting Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, killing six, and injuring more.
Bryce Tierney, an old friend of Loughner, told Mother Jones Magazine that Loughner had a lot of hatred toward Rep. Giffords.
“If anyone was going to shoot her, it would be Jared,” Tierney said.