Washington Navy Yard Perpetrator Killed in Shoot-out

A gunman who was shot dead after killing 12 people at the Navy Yard, and injuring 8 others now in hospital, has been identified as a former Navy serviceman, Aaron Alexis, 34, of Fort Worth, Texas, reports BBC News.

In a press conference at MedStar Washington Hospital Center Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced he had conferred SECNAV Designee status on injured personnel. The Secretary of the Navy Designee Program provides special eligibility for medical and dental care from naval medical facilities for patients affected by the shooting. 


"I'm deeply shocked and saddened by the shooting this morning at the Navy Yard," said Mabus. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. I have complete confidence in our first responders, and I continue to be completely focused on this very difficult situation."



"Darleen and I extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of today's events at the Navy Yard," said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert. "Our team of Sailors and Navy Civilians at the Navy Yard deserve our care and concern at this time. I applaud the efforts of all who immediately responded to this course of events in order to care for the injured victims and ensure the safety of our personnel."


President Barack Obama ordered flags be lowered to half mast at the White House and Capitol Hill.
He said he mourned yet another mass shooting and condemned the cowardly act.

Source: BBC News/ US Navy News Release