A man who carried out a mass shooting this year said in his journal that he wanted politicians to enact gun control.
“I have decided to make an impact. These people did not deserve to die, but because I was depressed and able to buy ... they are gone,” Mr. Sturgeon wrote. “Perhaps this is the impact for change—upper class white people dying. I certainly would not have been able do this were it more difficult to get a gun.”
Mr. Sturgeon said he went into a local gun store and was able to purchase a firearm in 45 minutes.
“THIS IS SO EASY,” he wrote. “I knew it would be doable but this is ridiculous.”
“I know our politicians are solely focused on lining their own pockets, but maybe this will knock some sense into them. If not, good luck,” Mr. Sturgeon wrote.
In another section, he wrote: “Something snapped Monday. This is not an accident. I’m sorry I had to lie all week, but this something [sic] I have to do. It has all been planned, and it is flawed but I think it will work. I know I won’t be around to see it, and I know that makes me a coward. But I pray this can send a message to those with power that they are not invincible.”
He also wrote that “if we want change, it will take enormous action,” “I may be a pshyco [sic],” and “I am definitely very sick.” The last pages stated, “IM SORRY” and “I CANT TAKE IT ANYMORE.”
The writings were found at Mr. Sturgeon’s residence during the investigation into the shooting.
A detective working on the case said the journal entries “are direct information to the planning and his mindset in the days leading up to the shooting, with his possible motives for his actions including political issues surrounding corrupt politicians and lack of gun control.”
Mr. Sturgeon on the day of the shooting also posted on Instagram a movie clip that said, “I know what I have to do but I don’t know if I have the strength to do it.”
Another post said, “They won’t listen to words or protests, so let’s see if they hear this.”
Mr. Sturgeon’s parents have claimed they were not aware of their son’s opposition to gun laws.
As stated publicly, the family of the shooter told officers he had mental health issues, according to the investigative report released by the police department. His parents said he was receiving therapy and various medications.
An autopsy detected alprazolam, an anti-anxiety medication, in Mr. Sturgeon’s blood.
Mr. Sturgeon told his mother about a week before the shooting he wanted to go on leave from the bank because of a panic attack he suffered and outlined unhappiness with his job there, expressing uncertainty about remaining in the banking industry.
Mr. Sturgeon only got a job in the bank due to his father being best friends with an executive and only kept it, despite a poor work ethic, due to the ties, surviving victims said.
A police officer shot dead Mr. Sturgeon after his rampage. An investigation determined the officer acted properly.
Mr. Sturgeon was said to leave behind a girlfriend.
The victims were identified as Joshua Barrick, 40; Deana Eckert, 57; Thomas Elliott, 63; Juliana Farmer, 45; and Jim Tutt Jr., 64, all employees at the bank.
Four of the five victims were white.
