JEDDAH, 4 March 2007 — Two men were hospitalized after a drunken man attempted to enter a hall where a private celebration was taking place and opened fire with a handgun before taking his own life, Al-Madinah newspaper reported yesterday. The injured, both men, were taken to separate hospitals. One of the victims was reportedly in stable condition after surgery to remove a bullet at King Abdul Aziz Hospital. The condition of the other man, who was taken to the Saudi-German Hospital, is unknown.
Witnesses said the man appeared to be drunk and wanted to be allowed to enter the hall, believing it was a wedding celebration. When partygoers tried to stop his entry, the man reportedly pulled a handgun from his pocket and opened fire at the group. One of the men was hit with the opening salvo and the other was shot when he rushed to help his friend.
The perpetrator then reportedly began to flee before stopping, pointing the gun at his own head, and pulling the trigger. The man died instantly.
