One shooter is reportedly dead, and two more are in custody according to reports.
(FT. HOOD, Texas) - News sources are reporting that at least twelve American soldiers are dead and as many as 31 are wounded following a shooting spree at the Fort Hood Army Base in Texas.
Lt. Gen. Bob Cone said during a televised press conference, that the shooter is among the dead. It is further reported that two other soldiers are reportedly being held as suspects.
KCEN-TV in Waco, Texas reports that, "one of the shooters had a high-powered rifle and was reportedly aiming to kill."
They also said that the suspect wore an Army uniform with a Major's rank.
The Austin American-Statesman reports that a congressional aide for U.S. Rep. John Carter on the base to attend a graduation service, was nearing the building where the service was being held when a soldier with blood on his uniform ran past him and said a man was shooting.
Salem-News.com's Dr. Phil Leveque has written numerous times about the connections between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and stateside Murder cases.
We do not know at this point if there is a specific connection in this case.
This statement was issued from the office of from Vice President Joe Biden: “Jill and I join the President and Michelle in expressing our sympathies to the families of the brave soldiers who fell today. We are all praying for those who were wounded and hoping for their full and speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the entire Fort Hood community as they deal with this senseless tragedy.”
Secretary Gates commented on Ft. Hood Shooting, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic events today at Fort Hood. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen, the wounded, and all those touched by this incident. There is little we can say at this point to alleviate the pain or answer the many questions this event raises, but I can pledge that the Department of Defense will do everything in its power to help the Fort Hood community get through these difficult times."
(Story updated with quotes from Gates and Biden at 17:31 and 17:59 10-5-09)
12 U.S. Soldiers Reportedly Shot Dead in Ft. Hood, TexasSalem-News.com