By BosNewsLife Americas Service
WASHINGTON, USA (BosNewsLife)– Gunmen opened fire in the Washington DC Navy Yard, killing as many as 13 people and injuring some 10 others in what appeared a terror attack, just days after the nation remembered the victims of the September 11 acts of terrorism.
Among those killed at the Naval Sea Systems Command Headquarters building was gunman Aaron Alexis, 34, from Fort Worth, Texas, a military contractor, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said.
Investigators said they were still searching for at least one other alleged gunman, a middle-aged black male, with an olive military-style uniform who may be in possession of a long gun.
In total at least 13 people were killed, including the gunman, who was reportedly shot during an exchange with the Metro Police officer, official said.
All 3,000 people working in the complex were initially ordered to remain indoors, amid concerns of more violence. Some ran to safety holding up their arms to ensure they were not mistaken for suspects.
THREE SHOOTERS
Police sources first said there were three shooters, including one wearing military fatigues, though one man was later “cleared” of wrongdoing. The building was surrounded by police and emergency personnel within minutes, eyewitnesses told local media.
“As far as we know, it’s an isolated incident,” D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray said.
Authorities said, security forces were trying to get inside the building and evacuate the remaining parts of the building. Earlier, dozens of police vehicles of different types rushed to the scene.
A “shelter in place” order has been issued for Navy Yard personnel and the area was placed on lock-down after shots were fired inside a building on the base, the U.S. Navy said.
Police closed a bridge as well as several streets following the shooting. In addition, police closed the entrance of the Navy Yard metro station, reporters said.
MORE CONCERNS
Police was concerned as the Navy Yard along the Anacostia River in south-east Washington, a sprawling complex of historic buildings, navy schools and a navy museum, is located near some major thoroughfares.
It is also near a heavily populated area with apartment buildings and schools.
U.S. President Barack Obama said in a statement that he was sending his “thoughts and prayers to all at Navy Yard who’ve been touched by this tragedy.”
He said, “We will do everything to make sure whoever carried out this cowardly act is held responsible.”
Family members looking for information about their loved ones were encouraged to call in the U.S. 202-433-6151 or 202-433-9713
(BosNewsLife Anti-Terror Task Force following the threats of our time )
(BosNewsLife, the first truly independent news agency covering persecuted Christians, is ‘Breaking the News for Compassionate Professionals’ since 2004).
Help BosNewsLife to be the voice of the voiceless. Click here for a subscription.
