Postal Employee Patrick Sherrill Commits Mass Shooting

August 20th, 1986

August 20th, 1986

Postal Employee Patrick Sherrill Commits Mass Shooting
How Long Ago?

38 years, 6 months, 23 days ago

Location

Edmond, Oklahoma, United States

Category

Crime & Law

People
  • Patrick Sherrill
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Postal Employee Patrick Sherrill Commits Mass Shooting

Patrick Sherrill, a postal worker in Edmond, Oklahoma, opened fire on his colleagues with a handgun, killing 14 of them and injuring several others. This violent act occurred during his shift at the post office. Following the shooting, Sherrill took his own life, resulting in one of the deadliest workplace shootings in U.S. history. The event shocked the local community and raised questions about workplace violence and gun control.

14 killed in the workplace shooting

Patrick Sherrill was a postal employee

He committed suicide after the assault

Raised awareness about workplace safety

What Happened?

In a tragic incident, Patrick Sherrill, a part-time postal worker, carried out a mass shooting at the Edmond, Oklahoma post office, resulting in the deaths of 14 of his colleagues and the injury of several others. On the fateful day, Sherrill arrived at work, armed with a .38 caliber revolver. During a busy work shift, he began firing indiscriminately at his fellow workers, creating chaos and confusion. Witnesses reported his calm demeanor as he continued to shoot without facing any immediate intervention. The shooting lasted only a few minutes but left a profound impact on the community.

After the devastating act, Sherrill fled to a break room where he subsequently took his own life, marking a sudden end to the assault. The aftermath of this incident revealed the harsh realities of workplace violence and the growing concern around employee safety in public workspaces. Law enforcement and mental health professionals began to evaluate psychological factors that might contribute to such violent behaviors in the workplace.

In the wake of this shooting, several survivors and families of victims called for changes in regulations regarding firearms and heightened awareness about mental health issues related to workplace stress. This incident is often cited in discussions about the impact of gun violence in the United States and the ongoing need for preventive measures in public and private sectors.

Why Does it Matter?

The tragic shooting by Patrick Sherrill highlighted gaping vulnerabilities in workplace safety and mental health awareness, particularly in high-stress jobs. It marked a turning point in how organizations approached security and employee health, leading to a rise in discussions surrounding gun control legislation and mental health support in the workplace. This incident remains a significant reference point in the broader conversation about mass shootings and workplace violence in America.

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