Mass Shooting on the base at Fort Hood

[Melody]

Just saw this on the Star Telegram twitter:
ABC News reporting shooter as Major Malik Nadal Hasan

I had been earlier reported that the dead shooter was a 40 yo male soldier. Holy cow, an officer?

[hueytaxi]

New report from Sen. Hutchingson (Tex) says the killed shooter was an Army officer Major. A name has been given, but not confirmed. Apparently a recognizable name or family.

[JohnJMS]

Originally Posted by Melody

Just saw this on the Star Telegram twitter:
ABC News reporting shooter as Major Malik Nadal Hasan

I had been earlier reported that the dead shooter was a 40 yo male soldier. Holy cow, an officer?

This is a terrible tragedy. But I was still hoping that the shooter wouldn't have a Muslim sounding name. This will fuel things that don't need any fuel.

[Yoda]

These are soldiers, not politicians.

Could a mod please put this where it belongs, in the B&G? I don't go to this board often so I didn't even know about this till now.

Terrible news. We didn't have any members there did we?

[Yoda]

Originally Posted by pfife

from his profile:

Location
San Antonio, TX


very bad deja vu feeling...

My thoughts exactly.

[hueytaxi]

Originally Posted by JohnJMS

This is a terrible tragedy. But I was still hoping that the shooter wouldn't have a Muslim sounding name. This will fuel things that don't need any fuel.

Apparently a vocal opponent of being deployed to Iraq and a convert to Islam. As an Armor officer and a major, he has most likely already been to Iraq and Afghanistan. I can see why officially releasing the name is so slow. So much could and will be read into his reported name. Could cause off base consequence.

[Lbh24]

Originally Posted by JohnJMS

This is a terrible tragedy. But I was still hoping that the shooter wouldn't have a Muslim sounding name. This will fuel things that don't need any fuel.

There is already a status update on one of my friends' Facebook saying "guess what the guy's name is."

This is like looking at the Pistons' record when Darko got game action.

[Lousluggage]

Based on what Melody said, it's unlikely lesgoblu is there.

Still, I hope he checks in.

[hueytaxi]

Texas Representative John Carter reporting that the two suspects have been released and authorities are seeking another.

The shooter is reported to be a doctor and may be a mental health professional. You never know what to believe with fractured data being thrown out as it is revealed.

[hueytaxi]

Originally Posted by Lousluggage

Based on what Melody said, it's unlikely lesgoblu is there.

Still, I hope he checks in.

I imagine most military bases have been on high alert all afternoon and many of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines will be late coming home tonight.

[hueytaxi]

New suspect now in custody and just found out the SOB'n shooter was a shrink!

[Yoda]

Lesgoblu has checked in, over in the B&G.

[Melody]

Originally Posted by hueytaxi

New suspect now in custody and just found out the SOB'n shooter was a shrink!

Yeah, my mom and I were just speculating whether he could be a doctor. Lots of MD's with major rank, and the fact that he had a mid eastern sounding name. Seemed like he'd be medical or intelligence and we weren't sure if they had any Army intelligence down there. [Yeah, inappropriate but we still chuckled.]

Just got a call from the wife of a friend down there. He left this week for Fort Hood. He's headed for his 3rd tour in Afghanistan. But he was "safely" jumping out of an airplane when the shooting happened.

[hueytaxi]

Listening now to the shooters cousin. The convert part is false. Always been a Muslim. Has been tryiing to find a way out of the military since 9-11, even trying to pay the military back for his education.

[sinister porpoise]

huey can you speculate on how a guy in the middle of a military base would be able to fire off rounds like this without being immediately shot himself? I know that in the aftermath of the VA Tech shooting there has been discussion about allowing concealed carry on college campuses. I saw you comment in the other thread about on-base weapon policies being very strict..

[hueytaxi]

This has me somewhat stumped. Since two 9 mm handguns were recovered (supposedly Brownings), they have a max capacity of 13 rounds each. This means reloading would have to take place if we only had one shooter with those two hanguns. (Still rumors of another shooter with a semi automatic weapon were heard). Today at Ft. Hood it was in the high 70's. Two loaded Brownings and multiple magazines would have caused some to notice in his uniform. Carrying a rifle would be much more difficult. But these people killed were either on their way or returning from deployment and I would think some group effort would have begun early. The civilian officer who died, was reported to have killed the major. Much still unknown here. None of the military in the processing center other than MP's would have had weapon access.

[hueytaxi]

Follow up....military weapons are kept in the arms room or armory depending on the base. Military personnel living on base are required to also keep their weapons at the arms room.. They can be signed out only for training, hunting or practice at the range. If these recovered handguns arre truly brownings, they are not military current issue. The US Army currently issues the M9 9 mm. by Beretta.

[Melody]

Originally Posted by hueytaxi

Follow up....military weapons are kept in the arms room or armory depending on the base. Military personnel living on base are required to also keep their weapons at the arms room.. They can be signed out only for training, hunting or practice at the range. If these recovered handguns arre truly brownings, they are not military current issue. The US Army currently issues the M9 9 mm. by Beretta.

I was about to ask about the specific weapon he used since it doesn't seem as though a psychiatrist would be issued a weapon at all while stateside so I wondered whether it was something he purchased.

I've never seen anyone except MP's carrying handguns on base, but I know some things change over the years. I do know that at various times dad was required to have a weapon at home with him, but don't ever remember seeing him carry it or wear it when he left for work. Probably had something to do with preparedness in case the Russians attacked while he was off duty. This was the 60s ...

[hueytaxi]

Originally Posted by Melody

I was about to ask about the specific weapon he used since it doesn't seem as though a psychiatrist would be issued a weapon at all while stateside so I wondered whether it was something he purchased.

I've never seen anyone except MP's carrying handguns on base, but I know some things change over the years. I do know that at various times dad was required to have a weapon at home with him, but don't ever remember seeing him carry it or wear it when he left for work. Probably had something to do with preparedness in case the Russians attacked while he was off duty. This was the 60s ...

When I would receive the occasional assignment of "Officer of the Day"; I wouold be issued a sidearm and a small amount of ammunition. I would conduct a base tour at night of critical areas to check in with sentries. I would be required to get any rest in the base HQ. My immediate next in command would also be armed that night, but did not have to leave his home unless I called for him.

[Chaz]

Originally Posted by Yoda

Lesgoblu has checked in, over in the B&G.

he works down in San Antonio..

The killer can burn in hell for all I care

[sinister porpoise]

The New York Times (nytimes) on Twitter
NYT NEWS ALERT: Army Says Shooting Suspect Is Not Dead, but Is in Custody and in Stable Condition17 minutes ago from API

[Edman85]

Originally Posted by sinister porpoise

The New York Times (nytimes) on Twitter
NYT NEWS ALERT: Army Says Shooting Suspect Is Not Dead, but Is in Custody and in Stable Condition17 minutes ago from API

I hope he's suffering

[ToledoTigerFan]

A lot.

[hueytaxi]

New reports contradicts earlier report on the civilian police officer who shot Hasan. SHE is also alive.

[Melody]

Originally Posted by hueytaxi

When I would receive the occasional assignment of "Officer of the Day"; I wouold be issued a sidearm and a small amount of ammunition. I would conduct a base tour at night of critical areas to check in with sentries. I would be required to get any rest in the base HQ. My immediate next in command would also be armed that night, but did not have to leave his home unless I called for him.

Maybe that was it, although dad was career enlisted not an officer. Mom surely remembers. What I remember most strongly is the sure knowledge that our [butts] would indeed be grass and he'd be the lawnmower if we ever even thought about touching the doorknob to my parents bedroom closet because that gun was on the top shelf. Seemed like it was always up there, but I'd imagine my parents wouldn't notify us when it came and went and just set one rule for all the time.

[Melody]

Originally Posted by sinister porpoise

The New York Times (nytimes) on Twitter
NYT NEWS ALERT: Army Says Shooting Suspect Is Not Dead, but Is in Custody and in Stable Condition17 minutes ago from API

It's also saying that the FBI was already looking at the guy due to some internet postings about suicide bombings?

What an evil man. BTW, CAIR has issued a very strong condemnation of Hasan's actions.

[monkeynuts]

I heard earlier that the shooter graduated from Virginia Tech. Eerie.

[Chopper]

Hasan

[hueytaxi]

Originally Posted by monkeynuts

I heard earlier that the shooter graduated from Virginia Tech. Eerie.

I had avoided posting that, but it was bound to become on here at some time.

[JohnJMS]

Now they say Hasan is alive? What gives? I know that there is always some bad info and confusion during these mass shootings, but the amount of mis-information from this incident has been staggering. Specifically an awful lot of the info from that Lt. General who gave the official press conference at about 5pm was completely wrong.

[hueytaxi]

Originally Posted by JohnJMS

Now they say Hasan is alive? What gives? I know that there is always some bad info and confusion during these mass shootings, but the amount of mis-information from this incident has been staggering. Specifically an awful lot of the info from that Lt. General who gave the official press conference at about 5pm was completely wrong.

Agreed. I was reportiing what I heard on the pollitical thread for those who did not have cable and I'm sure when I review it tomorrow, it will be full of mistakes. Such as shots fired at a nearby theater.

[DGTigers]

If justice is served this monster will be tried and convicted tonight by Mr. M16 or Mr. M9.

[JohnJMS]

Is there still time to send him to Guantanamo Bay before they close it?

Personally, I'm hoping this is the "Lone Wolf" scenario and there weren't other soldiers involved. It would sicken me that much more if this was a conspiracy involving other soldiers.

[Melody]

Originally Posted by JohnJMS

Is there still time to send him to Guantanamo Bay before they close it?

Personally, I'm hoping this is the "Lone Wolf" scenario and there weren't other soldiers involved. It would sicken me that much more if this was a conspiracy involving other soldiers.

At the moment, it appears that it was a nut acting alone. For a while they were looking for a second shooter at the theater, but as it turns out there wasn't a shooting at the theater.

It's so shocking on so many levels. You have an officer who has achieved the rank of major. Not only an officer, but a medical officer. A psychiatrist who specializes in helping soldiers who have been traumatized. Yet upon his first deployment orders, he goes nuts and shoots at those least responsible: soldiers returning from deployment(s) and those leaving on deployment, perhaps for their 2nd or 3rd time and their families. This was a counseling/support type center on a base where he knew that he was unlikely to encounter anyone carrying a weapon. (I know! Ironic! But outside those gates at the mall, etc. there might have been several individuals with CHL's.)

What a coward!

[hueytaxi]

Late news saying Hasan was wounded 4 times, on a ventilator, unconcious and his life is not in imminent danger. Also a spokesperson unidentified, said some victims may have been hit by friendly fire.

For the record, doctor's automatically receive the rank of Captain. I understand he was recently promoted to major even though his recent OER (officer efficency report) was poor. He had troubles in his department at Walter Reed causing his transfer to Ft. Hood.

[Melody]

I'm guessing that the promotion marked some milestone in his medical education such as completing a residency so was more or less automatic? I read somewhere that this guy enlisted right out of high school.

The community is desperate to offer support, but so far the only opportunity offered is to donate blood. The news last night was showing two hour lines at Scott White (big civilian hospital where some of the injured were sent) to donate. Pretty amazing sight.

[tys-spikes84]

Originally Posted by hueytaxi

Late news saying Hasan was wounded 4 times, on a ventilator, unconcious and his life is not in imminent danger. Also a spokesperson unidentified, said some victims may have been hit by friendly fire.

For the record, doctor's automatically receive the rank of Captain. I understand he was recently promoted to major even though his recent OER (officer efficency report) was poor. He had troubles in his department at Walter Reed causing his transfer to Ft. Hood.

I'm glad the ****er is alive and hopefully suffering, because he deserves to have his life in imminent danger.

[Oblong]

YouTube - Fort Hood Tragedy -- Barack Obama Gives Odd "Shout-Out" Before He Comments on Massacre -- FOX News

Here's our Commander in Chief taking his time to address the tagedy. Even gives a "shout out".

After this I don't want to hear anybody on the left talk about "My Pet Goat". Hopefully Obama got very bad advice and gave somebody an *** kicking for preparing his remarks in such a manner while the events were unfolding.

[Melody]

I noticed last night when ABC cut to the President, but when they saw that he was chit chatting they talked over him. The anchors seemed a little surprised as though they were being given the wrong feed or something. At least that was my impression.

What is really annoying me today is that so many seem to want to be talking about PTSD, battle stress, etc. But this guy had never been overseas! He was afraid to go, but instead of shooting himself in the foot he took out some genuine heros.

Interesting interview on CNN with an acquaintance of Hasan who had a recent conversation with him where he expressed worry about his deployment and was specifically concerned with the possibility that he might have to shoot at other Muslims. Now, I've never been over there so don't know how it works, but my impression has been that while military doctors have to be qualified with a weapon and will be armed, it is for defense purposes mainly.

But that also highlights an issue with some brands of that religion. Obviously, muslims over there don't have an issue with killing other muslims. But it seems to be a problem for American muslims deployed to the mid east. I wonder why that is? I can't imagine a Baptist caring whether the guy shooting at him was Baptist or not; he'd just shoot back and let God sort it out.

[Mark The Shark]

Originally Posted by Oblong

YouTube - Fort Hood Tragedy -- Barack Obama Gives Odd "Shout-Out" Before He Comments on Massacre -- FOX News

Here's our Commander in Chief taking his time to address the tagedy. Even gives a "shout out".

After this I don't want to hear anybody on the left talk about "My Pet Goat". Hopefully Obama got very bad advice and gave somebody an *** kicking for preparing his remarks in such a manner while the events were unfolding.

That was bizarre and off-putting, the "light and fluffy" bit for two minutes before he comments on the massacre of US soilders on American soil.