The massacre appeared to have been planned for several months. In August 1989, Lépine picked up an application for a firearms-acquisition certificate, and in mid-October, he received his permit. On November 21, 1989, Lépine purchased a Ruger Mini-14 semi-automatic rifle at a local sporting goods store. Between October and December 1989, Lépine was seen at least seven times at the École Polytechnique. Four days before the shooting, he brought his mother a present, though it was several weeks before her birthday; he also brought a note and two bags of belongings, which she did not discover until long after the shooting. Lépine had previously always been very punctual paying his rent, but had not done so in December 1989.