U.S. soldier kill scores of people at Fort Hood post
 

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From the BNO Newsroom.

(Update 1: Two soldiers released, third arrested)

FORT HOOD, TEXAS (BNO NEWS) -- Twelve people were killed and dozens more were injured when at least one soldiers opened fire at the Fort Hood U.S. Army base in Texas on Thursday. Thirty-one people were also injured in the mass shooting, an official told BNO News.

The shootings erupted around 1.30 p.m. local time at two different locations on the base, according to U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Banks. Banks said both shootings started simultaneously.

The gunmen, a soldier identified by a BNO News source as Army Major Malik Nadal Hasan who graduated from Virginia Tech University, was shot dead by a police officer. Two others were initially taken into custody but later released. "We now believe they were not involved in the shooting," a Fort Hood spokesman said. A third person, also a U.S. soldier, was arrested as a "person of interest." Authorities were questioning the person of interest on Thursday evening, hoping to obtain more information about what happened.

Lieutenant Colonel Banks said it was "too early" to rule out terrorism, and White House Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton said they are still gathering facts when asked if terrorism is suspected. A Fort Hood spokesman said they had no information about a possible motive, but media reports indicated Army Major Hasan was due to be deployed later this month.

The army base remains under a precautionary lockdown, but officials say there is no reason to believe any gunman is on the loose. Security has not been increased at other bases, Banks said.

"It appears handguns were the weapon of choice," Banks said. The Lieutenant Colonel continued to say that one of the shootings happened at the Soldier Readiness Center, where soldiers are being processed before or after being deployed.

The second shooting happened at Howze Theatre where the FEMA Annual Graduation Ceremony was also taking place, but it was not immediately clear if that's where the shooting took place. Banks did not know how many people were present at the ceremony, but said they are usually "huge." He said soldiers and family members would have been present at the ceremony, including children. It was not immediately clear if any civilians were among the killed or injured.

Some of the victims were taken to the Scott & White Memorial Hospital where a spokeswoman said they received ten adult gunshot victims. "No other victims are expected to arrive at Scott & White in Temple or at any of Scott & White locations," she said, while adding the hospital is appealing for blood.

"Due to the recent events on Fort Hood, we are in URGENT need of ALL blood types," a statement on the hospital's website read. "Please come to Scott & White Blood Donor Center and donate blood as soon as possible." The donor center is located in Room 115 next to the McLane Dining Room in the main hospital.

"The Texas family suffered a significant loss today with the tragedy at Fort Hood," said Texas Governor Perry at a news conference. "Along with all Texans, Anita and I are keeping those affected by today's incidents in our thoughts and prayers."

Perry said he ordered all Texas flags be lowered to half-staff until Sunday, and asked all Texans to pray for the victims. "We are deeply saddened by today's events, but resolve to continue supporting our troops and protecting our citizens."

President Obama at a news conference called the shootings a "horrific outburst of violence" and said his thoughts and prayers are with those wounded and families of the dead. "It's difficult enough when we lose these brave Americans in battles overseas," he said. "It is horrifying that they should come under fire at an Army base on American soil."

"Jill and I join the President and Michelle in expressing our sympathies to the families of the brave soldiers who fell today," Vice President Joe Biden wrote in a statement. "We are all praying for those who were wounded and hoping for their full and speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the entire Fort Hood community as they deal with this senseless tragedy."

U.S. Senator John McCain called the events a "terrible tragedy." "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims of the terrible tragedy that occurred at Fort Hood today," he said. "These young men and women served their country with honor and will always be remembered. We also wish those who were injured a complete and speedy recovery."

"I was shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic events that took place today at Fort Hood," Illinois Senator Burris wrote in a statement. "My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has been affected by these senseless acts of violence. During this time of uncertainty and grief, we must keep sight of all of the men and women in uniform who have dedicated their lives to bravely serving our nation."

Kansas Governor Parkinson also released a statement. "As the tragic and shocking details continue to unravel in Texas, we are keeping everyone at Fort Hood and their families in our prayers. As Kansans well know, a Fort isn't just a facility, it's a community. I have directed the Kansas Adjutant General's Department to make available any and every resource to Fort Hood that they may need. This is a striking reminder of the bravery and courage military men and women demonstrate on our behalf each and every day."

On the floor of Congress, a moment of silence was observed.

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