(VOVworld) - An appalling shooting at the US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) killed 13 people on Monday including the shooter and several policemen. The gunman was identified as Aaron Alexis, a 34-year-old former navy reservist, who served in the Navy from 2007 to 2011. FBI officials have not found out how Alexis was able to enter the facility because it is always strictly secured. Entry to NAVSEA, where all soldiers are unarmed, requires at least 2 ID cards.
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| A combination photo shows Aaron Alexis, who the FBI believe to be responsible for the shootings at the Washington Navy Yard. (Photo: Reuters) |
The US army and security forces were densely deployed to secure this area and hunt for a second suspect. Congressional buildings, the Reagan National Airport, and nearby schools are in temporary shutdown.
When the shooting rampage began, 3,000 people were working on the premises. Officials have detected no link between the incident and terrorist acts.
US President Barack Obama said he is mourning another mass shooting and vowed to make the perpetrators pay for their crimes. He ordered flags at government buildings to be flown at half-staff until Friday to pay tribute to the victims.
US security forces on Monday besieged the White House after a man set off firecrackers at the entrance gate just hours after the navy yard shooting.