It is another sad day for Fort Bragg, which has become the scene of a shooting rampage that left a Battalion commander dead and two injured during a Unit Safety Brief. The brigade is a reconnaissance and intelligence unit, according to a Facebook page.
This horror is reminiscent of the tragedy at Fort Hood in 2009, where 13 were killed and dozens injured by United States Army Major Nidal Hasan, who proclaimed himself a "soldier of Allah" on his business cards. An investigation revealed that Hassan was in contact with Anwar al-Awlaki, a radical Yemeni American imam tied to al-Qaeda (who was killed in December by a drone strike). There is no indication that the incident Thursday is related in any way to radical groups. However, it is noteworthy to mention that currently, the FBI is investigating "possible military insider threats," as reported by NPR.
A press release reported that the shooter turned the weapon on himself after the rampage, and is now injured an in custody. "This is a tragedy for our community. We don't yet know the reasons for the shooting, but are working with the unit and the affected Families to help them through this difficult period," said Col. Kevin Arata, XVIII Airborne Corps and Public Affairs Officer.
This tragedy is on the heels of another mystery, as soldier Kelli Bordeaux was reported missing when she did not show up for work on April 16th, according to a local news story. Fort Bragg also made headlines in March of this year, as a rally for atheists was held, called "Rock Beyond Belief".
The names of the shooter, an enlisted officer, and the victims have not yet been released, as notification to the families is underway. Special Agents from the Army Criminal Investigation Command are on the scene and have begun an investigation. Hopefully the soldiers and friends and family of the murdered officer will be able to find answers.
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