Maggie Laine Webb, a 24-year-old White/Caucasian female, had a promising career ahead of her. Originally from Moline, Illinois, she had recently been promoted to the role of store manager at the Von Maur department store in Omaha, Nebraska, a testament to her dedication and rapid advancement within the company. Her journey with Von Maur began in the shoe department during her senior year of high school. After earning a B.A.
in Business Administration from Illinois State University in 2005, she climbed the corporate ladder, holding various managerial positions in different states before her promotion to the Omaha location.
On December 5, 2007, Maggie's life was tragically cut short during a mass shooting at the Von Maur store located in the Westroads Mall. The perpetrator was 19-year-old Robert A. Hawkins, who entered the mall armed with a stolen semi-automatic rifle. Hawkins opened fire inside the department store, firing more than 30 rounds in an attack that lasted approximately six minutes. Maggie Webb was one of eight people killed in the rampage before Hawkins took his own life near the customer service desk. Four other people were injured in the attack.
Investigations into the shooting revealed that Hawkins had a history of mental health issues and had left behind suicide notes that indicated his intentions. The attack was described as random, with the victims not being specifically targeted, which added to the senselessness of the tragedy. As the shooter died by suicide at the scene, there were no arrests made in connection with the shooting. The incident brought national attention to the issues of gun violence and mental health. Maggie was remembered by those who knew her as an energetic and friendly leader whose smile could light up a room.
