Five dead in Northern Marianas shooting

November 20, 2009 06:56:53 PM

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At least five people were killed in a shooting incident in the US-administered Northern Mariana Islands in the western Pacific on Friday, hospital workers said.

Five bodies were in the hospital morgue on the main island of Saipan, including the alleged shooter who killed himself, the workers said.

Details were sketchy of the incident, which was reported to have occurred in a Saipan private residence in the middle of the day, but Governor Benigno R. Fitial was due to hold a press conference to provide further information.

In a statement, which gave no details about the shootings, Fitial said the situation was under control and the person responsible had taken his own life.

Schools had been locked down after the situation unfolded about 1.30 pm (0330 GMT), Fitial said.

"I want to extend my heartfelt remorse and sadness to the individuals and families that were affected," he said.

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