I've read the suicide notes to this young man's family, his friends, and his will. How could someone who showed so much remorse to his family and friends and took the time to tell the people he loved that he loved them do such a thing? He obviously thought about what this would do to the people who cared for him. Why didn't he stop and think how terrified the people he took with him would feel and how devastated their families must be?
It seems to me that he definitely should have still been under a mental health professional's care. And I would have called the police if he had shown me the AK47 and after knowing about the suicide note. The fact that he showed the gun to his landlady and that he told his mother about the note shows he was crying out for help, for someone to stop him. But then again, this was such an unthinkable act, the people involved probably couldn't make their brains jump to the conclusion that he could do such a horrible thing. My heart goes out to all involved.

Kelley, Ft. Lauderdale,

"...Now I'll be famous!" The news media guarantees that Robert Hawkins got his sick wish by granting him post-humous notoriety. And there will be many more copycat shootings to come no matter how many guns we ban.

Al, New York, NY

It say's it all that the reason for this bloodbath is the search for fame,who can remember the names of countless gunmen down the years,who in their turn were "looking" for fame,until the time such deranged people are stopped from buying firearms,these events will happen.The American people have it in their power to change the firearms laws,to elect a president with courage and vision,the myth of the "right" to bear arms can be defeated,i will remember the name of this young man as the only thing we have in common is our name

Robert Hawkins, Beckenham, u.k.

I have never before seen a boy with such sad eyes.

This wasn't the right path for him to choose, it isn't the right thing for anyone to choose. But I think that Robert Hawkins was an incredible sad kid; more than anyone could realize. When you lose so much, it's hard to keep yourself from doing something that you'll regret.

The world needs to help people like this: people that need love and need to be told that they're worth something. Point and blame could be thrown at so many people here, but I think that everyone should take a minute to put themselves in their shoes.

It's a shame. Not just for the deaths of all the victims, but for the deaths of Robert Hawkins as well. May all of them rest in peace.

This could have been avoided.

Blessed be.

Miranda, Brackettville, TX

I have a lot to say but the bible tak better: " But know this , that in the last days critial times hard to deal with will be here. Fot men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, nt open o any agreement, slandres, without self-control, fierce, with out love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up [with pridw], lovers of pleasure rather then God, havin a form of godly devotion , but proving false o is power..." (2 Timothy 3:1)

J. Rivera, San Juan,

Oh for the love of god, It was an SKS NOT an AK47!
Its like calling a Ford a Honda!

Mike, baltimore , md

Everyone is responsible for how this young man turned out.
The family who couldn't cope and get the help he needed....The Foster Care System who sent him from one home to another....The Criminal Justice System who had him for criminal offenses and did not seek help for him in order prevent further actions.
The nurse who didn't call the police when he showed her the AK 47 rifle. She knew he had a troubled past, had been in criminal justice system; what if he had turned the gun on her and her family ? I don't know any 19 year-olds with an AK47 rifle, and if I did I would call the police. Nice & gentle or not. I say the biological mother knew, the nurse found the suicide note and still did nothing? Why? I would rather someone be mad at me than dead, wounded, scared ,with innocent bystanders suffering, and a town and nation in mourning.
American people....you need to have your voices heard at anything that does not sound right or look right. Your loved one could be the next statistic

Nancy Eckhoff, Sweet Springs, Missouri

It is hard for me to believe that there was no cause for alarm on the part of this young man's landlady when he showed her an AK47. Unbelieveable!!!! Common sense did not dictate here an now 8 people are dead. She also knew of the note. Why didn't she contact authorities? I want to be respectful of this woman, however, she observed too much not to speak up. Tragic. Just tragic. :-(

John, Clovis,, CA.