My first memory of an American mass shooting goes back nearly 60 years with an Alpena connection.

It was Monday, August 1, 1966, at the University of Texas/Austin campus.

Charles Whitman, a former U.S. Marine and one-time U of T student, ascended the 27 floor, 307-foot campus tower to the observation deck. He moved weapons, ammunition, and a foot locker of supplies on a two-wheel cart.

At the tower’s top, a receptionist inquired with Whitman about his presence. She turned her back to make a telephone call and was fatally shot by Whitman.

Whitman heard more voices on the top floor. He fatally shot two and injured two more. He propped the deck’s entry door shut with his cart and related items.

At 11:48 a.m., Whitman had a commanding view of the campus. He homed in his rifle’s scope and

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