Europa NewsWire.
White House Photo by Pete Souza.
Story by Donna Miles.
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama condemned the fatal shooting
rampage Nov. 5 on Fort Hood, Texas, that left 12 Soldiers dead and
another 31 wounded, and promised full-scale support to get to the
bottom of what happened and help the Fort Hood community recover from
the tragedy.
More than one gunmen – two being held as suspects and another believed
to be among those killed -- fired shots at about 1:30 p.m. Central Time
at the post's Soldier Readiness Processing Center and Howze Theater,
Fort Hood officials confirmed.
The incident reportedly occurred as Soldiers were conducting their final preparations for deployment.
"These are men and women who have made the selfless and courageous
decision to risk, and at times, give their lives to protect the rest of
us on a daily basis," the president said.
"It's difficult enough when we lose these brave Americans in battles
overseas," he said. "It is horrifying that they should come under fire
at an Army base on American soil."
Obama said he is in close coordination with Defense Secretary Robert M.
Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen in
monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, the White House is working with the Pentagon, FBI and Department of Homeland Security to ensure Fort Hood is secure.
Obama said his thoughts and prayers are with the wounded and families of the fallen, and the Fort Hood community.
"We will continue to support the community with the full resources of
the federal government," he said. "We will make sure that we get
answers to every single question about this horrible incident."
Obama said he has no greater honor than serving as commander and chief,
but also recognizes the responsibility that entails in ensuring service
members are properly cared for and that their safety is assured while
they are at home.
"So we are going to stay on this," he said. "But I hope in the meantime
that all of you recognize the scope of this tragedy, and keep everybody
in their thoughts and prayers."
Speaking to reporters at Fort Hood, Army Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone,
commander of 3rd Corps and Fort Hood, credited quick response by police
forces with bringing down a gunman after he opened fire at the soldier
readiness unit.
"There were several eyewitness accounts that there was more than one
shooter," he said, noting that two additional soldiers had been taken
into custody.
"The soldiers and family members are absolutely devastated," he said.
"It's a terrible tragedy," he said, but offered assurances, "We will
work through it."
Source: Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs.
