Washington Navy Yard shooting motive still unclear

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Investigation continues into suspect in deadly Navy Yard shooting

Questions about shooting suspects security clearance

New information about deadly Washington DC shooting

Investigation continues into deadly DC shooting

DC Navy Yard shooting motive still unclear

13 dead, including gunman in DC Navy yard shooting

Witnesses recount horror in DC Navy yard shooting

At least 13 dead in DC Navy Yard shooting

At least 12 dead in Washington DC shooting

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washington, d.c., shooting, washington navy yard shooting, u.s. & world news

Eyewitness News

WASHINGTON (WABC) -- Authorities investigating the deadly mass shooting at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, DC, continue to search for a motive.

The rampage was allegedly carried out by one of the military's own - a defense contractor and former Navy reservist. Police say that man, 34-year-old Aaron Alexis, killed 12 people before he was shot and killed in a gun battle with responding officers.

Law enforcement officials say Alexis carried three weapons, including an assault rifle, a shotgun and a handgun he took from an officer at the scene. Authorities believe the shotgun was purchased at a gun shop in Virginia.

He was born in Queens and also spent time in Brooklyn.

U.S. law enforcement officials told The Associated Press that Alexis, who was honorably discharged in January of 2011, had been suffering a host of serious mental issues, including paranoia and a sleep disorder. He also had been hearing voices in his head, the officials said.

Alexis had been treated since August by the Veterans Administration for his mental problems, the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the criminal investigation in the case was continuing.

The how and why of all this is something investigators, survivors and relatives of the victims will wonder about for a long time.

The day after the shooting, the reality of what unfolded at the Navy Yard Monday is still sinking in. Many gathered at vigils to remember and mourn the 12 victims.

Officials say Alexis gained access to the base and cleared the gate by using a security clearance card.

"We can confirm, however, that Mr. Alexis had legitimate access to Navy Yard as a result of his work as a contractor," said Valerie Parlave, of the FBI Washington Field Office. "And he utilized a valid pass to gain entry to the Navy Yard."

In addition to the 12 fatalities, at least three others were shot, including a DC police officer who was hit with multiple bullets in both of his legs. He underwent surgery, but is expected to survive, as are the other two. Five other people suffered minor injuries as they ran for their lives.

While officials still haven't learned of a motive, they stress there is no indication of terrorism and no hard evidence of a second shooter.

Only essential Navy Yard personnel are to report to work Tuesday, and DC officials say all streets/bridges/local trains and buses are operating normally.

The identities of the victims have been confirmed. They are:

59-year-old Michael Arnold

53-year-old Sylvia Fraiser

62-year-old Kathy Gaarde

73-year-old John Roger Johnson

50-year-old Frank Kohler

46-year-old Kenneth Bernard Proctor

61-year-old Vishnu Pandit

54-year-old Martin Bodrog

51-year-old Arthur Daniels

51-year-old Mary Francis Knight

58-year-old Gerald L. Read

52-year-old Richard Michael Ridgell

Family members of Washington Navy Yard employees looking for information about their loved ones can contact the Warfighter and Family Support Center at 202-433-6151 or 202-433-9713.