BULLETIN: (7th Update 6:32 p.m. EDT U.S.A.) Multiple media outlets are reporting a mass shooting at two separate military centers in Chattanooga, Tenn. An early report in the Chattanooga Times Free Press says four U.S. Marines have been killed and a police officer shot and wounded.
A gunman apparently also has been killed.
The U.S. Navy has confirmed a shooting incident in Chattanooga.
#BREAKING CORRECTION: #USNavy confirms shooting at building on Amnicola Highway.
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) July 16, 2015
U.S. Attorney Bill Killian of the Eastern District of Tennessee has called the shootings an “act of domestic terrorism,” according to an AP report via the Washington Post. Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke called the shootings a “horrific incident in our community.”
Horrific incident in our community. We will release details as they are confirmed. Prayers to all those affected — Andy Berke (@AndyBerke) July 16, 2015
From NBC News (italics added):
The shootings happened about 40 minutes and six miles apart, first at a military recruitment station and then at a Navy and Marines reserve center. It appeared that the Marines were killed at the reserve center.
The U.S. Marines Corps has confirmed the deaths of four marines at the Navy & Marine Reserve Center.
JUST NOW: Confirmed 4 Marine fatalities at Navy & Marine Reserve Center in TN. Names of Marines released upon notification of next of kin.
— U.S. Marines (@USMC) July 16, 2015
FBI identifies shooter as Mohammod Youssuf Abdulazeez, 24. Statement from FBI (italics added):
The FBI’s Knoxville Field Office, along with the Chattanooga Police Department and other law enforcement partners, are working jointly to investigate today’s shootings at a military recruitment center and a reserve center in Chattanooga, Tennessee in which four individuals were killed and three injured. The shooter, Mohammod Youssuf Abdulazeez, 24, is also deceased. While it would be premature to speculate on the motives of the shooter at this time, we will conduct a thorough investigation of this tragedy and provide updates as they are available.
U.S. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch calls it a “national security investigation.” (Full statement/italics added):
“On behalf of the Department of Justice, I offer my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the U.S. servicemembers who were murdered and the law enforcement officer who was wounded in this shameful and cowardly act of violence. I have directed the FBI to take the lead in the national security investigation of this heinous attack on members of our military. The U.S. Attorney’s office and department prosecutors are also actively involved. In the days ahead, we intend to work with our partners in law enforcement and the intelligence community to ensure that the American people are protected and that justice is served.”