Numerous reports about the mass shooting Friday morning at Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida that left three killed and several wounded have identified the gunman, also reported dead, as a Saudi Arabian military pilot trainee. The reports say federal investigators are looking at terrorism as a motive.
AP excerpt: “A U.S. official says the Florida Naval station shooting suspect was an aviation student from Saudi Arabia and authorities are investigating if the shooting was terrorism-related…”
CNN: “A member of the Saudi military training at US Naval Air Station in Pensacola is the suspected shooter in Friday’s incident, according to 5 US defense officials and another person familiar with the investigation,
@barbarastarrcnn and @davidgshortell report”
A member of the Saudi military training at US Naval Air Station in Pensacola is the suspected shooter in Friday’s incident, according to 5 US defense officials and another person familiar with the investigation, @barbarastarrcnn and @davidgshortell report
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) December 6, 2019
VIDEO CLIP:
CNN: Suspected Pensacola Naval Station shooter was member of Saudi military pic.twitter.com/T9M2p01JRk
— TPM Livewire (@TPMLiveWire) December 6, 2019
NOTE: This article will be updated.
President Trump tweeted a statement and condolences. He said he received a full briefing on the shooting, but did not mention specifics, “Just received a full briefing on the tragic shooting at NAS Pensacola in Florida, and spoke to @GovRonDeSantis. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. We are continuing to monitor the situation as the investigation is ongoing.”
Just received a full briefing on the tragic shooting at NAS Pensacola in Florida, and spoke to @GovRonDeSantis. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. We are continuing to monitor the situation as the investigation is ongoing.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 6, 2019
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), whose district encompasses NAS Pensacola, posted a video statement:
We're learning a Saudi Arabian military member in Pensacola committed these murders.
I'm working with the @DeptofDefense, @StateDept, and @DHSgov to ensure there's extreme vetting for people who come to our country and train on our bases. pic.twitter.com/LUhSE6UAHO
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) December 6, 2019
UPDATE: Suspect IDed: “NEW: Pensacola shooter identified as Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, @CBSDavidMartin confirms”
NEW: Pensacola shooter identified as Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, @CBSDavidMartin confirms. https://t.co/AX4EVD9SQD https://t.co/qd529krGUy
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) December 6, 2019
