Shooter Photographed by Reporter Moments Before Opening Fire Outside Dallas Courthouse

A gunman opened fire outside a Dallas courthouse Monday.
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Photographer Tom Fox arrived at a federal courthouse in Dallas Monday morning, prepared to cover a trial. What he didn't know was that he would end up covering a shooting.

Photographer Tom Fox arrived at a federal courthouse in Dallas Monday morning, prepared to cover a trial. What he didn't know was that he would end up covering a shooting.

Fox, of the Dallas Morning News, was standing outside the Earle Cabell Federal Building when he noticed a man in a mask parked on the corner, the paper reported.

The photographer snapped a picture of the man. He was wearing black boots, green pants and a black vest. He was carrying an assault-style rifle.

After running across the street, the masked man opened fire.

Fox told the Dallas Morning News that bullets struck the courthouse and shattered glass doors. Some bounced off the building and released clouds of debris, Fox said.

Security inside the building pushed people to the ground as the courthouse went on lockdown.

Officers returned fire on the gunman, who was hit and killed. No one else was hurt in the attack.

Fox's incredible photo has gone viral on social media, inspiring calls for people to support the local journalism in their communities.

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