By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 2, 2014 – A soldier killed three fellow
soldiers and wounded 16 more before killing himself at Fort Hood, Texas,
officials said tonight.
There is no evidence that the incident is related to
terrorism, said Army Lt. Gen. Mark A. Milley, the commander of 3rd Corps and
Fort Hood.
“We are not ruling anything out, and the investigation
continues,” the general said DURING a late-night news conference. “Our focus
now is to focus on the families of the injured, and focus on the families of
the killed [to] ensure they have the best care and counseling available.”
The soldier used a recently purchased .45-caliber pistol and
first fired on personnel in the 1st Medical Brigade at about 4 p.m. CST before
moving on to the 49th Transportation Battalion.
A military policewoman confronted him in a parking lot,
where he drew his pistol and killed himself. Milley called the MP’s actions
heroic.
The soldier – whose name is withheld until his next of kin
are notified – had some behavioral health and mental health issues and was
being evaluated for post-traumatic stress, Milley said.
“When we have these kinds of tragedies on our bases,
something is not working,” Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said during a news
conference in Hawaii, where he has been attending a conference of
Pacific-nation defense ministers and visiting U.S. forces.
In a written statement issued by the Pentagon, Hagel
stressed that nothing is more important to the department than the safety and
well-being of service members and their families. “I am grateful to all the
first responders who rushed to the scene,” he said. “We will closely monitor
the situation at Fort Hood and stay informed by what investigators and law
enforcement personnel learn about the shooting.”
President Barack Obama also is following the situation
closely. In an appearance in Chicago, the president said DOD, federal and state
officials will work together to find out what happened and why.
Obama said the shooting reopens the pain of the shootings at
Fort Hood five years ago. “We know these families,” he said. “We know their
incredible service to our country and the sacrifices that they make. Obviously,
our thoughts and prayers are with the entire community.”
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said the thoughts
and prayers of the greater military community are with those at Fort Hood.
“Many questions remain, and our focus is on supporting the victims and their
families,” Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said in a statement released at the
Pentagon. “This is a community that has faced and overcome crises with
resilience and strength.”
Personnel on the base were ordered to shelter in place, and
the order was lifted about 10 p.m. EST.
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