Louisiana shooter had a violent past

Washington

The gunman who opened fire at ‘The Grand Theatre’ in Louisiana killing two people and injuring several others had a history of mental health issues, according to court documents.

John Houser, 59, fired a dozen rounds from a handgun at a film screening in Lafayette before shooting himself.

John Houser bought his .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun openly and legally at a pawn shop in Phenix, Alabama, Lafayette police chief Jim Craft told reporters. 

"ATF has informed us that the purchase was legal," Craft said, in reference to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the agency that tracks firearms.

His wife, who filed for divorce in March, said he had become "volatile".

Hours before the latest US shooting, President Barack Obama told the BBC that gun law reform had been his "greatest frustration".

Lafayette police described Houser as a "drifter" from Alabama who had been staying at nearby motel since the beginning of July. Wigs and other disguises were found inside his room. 

Police chief Jim Craft said investigators believe he intended to flee rather than take his own life, but the quick police response forced him back into the building.

His motive is unclear but police said they were looking into online posts appearing to have been made by Houser in which he criticised the government and US media.