Charles Whitman

Charles Joseph Whitman (June 24^th, 1941 – August 1^st, 1966); known as the Texas Tower Sniper was a former Marine and spree killer. On August 1^st, 1966; he climbed a tower at the University of Texas in Austin with 7 guns and killed 17 people before being shot dead by a police officer.

“	I never could quite make it. These thoughts are too much for me.	„
	~ What are believed to be Whitman's last written words before committing the shooting.

Earlier he stabbed and shot his wife and mother to death, then killed two people and wounded others as he ascended the tower of the University with a shotgun. The rest of his victims were killed or wounded with a sniper rifle. Upon autopsy, medical examiners discovered that Whitman had unknowingly been suffering from an aggressive brain tumor, likely explaining his sudden, violent shift in personality.

Trivia

• It is currently the 8th deadliest shooting in modern American history.