WASHINGTON (NNS) — Several people were injured and there are reports of fatalities in a shooting at the Washington Navy Yard Sept. 16.
An active shooter was reported inside the Naval Sea Systems Command Headquarters building (Bldg. 197) on the Washington Navy Yard at 8:20 a.m. (Eastern Time).
Emergency personnel remain on scene and a “shelter in place” order has been issued for Navy Yard personnel.
A number of agencies are investigating the incident including the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, D.C. Metro Police, and the FBI which has lead.
“I’m deeply shocked and saddened by the shooting this morning at the Navy Yard,” said Secretary of the Navy Ray 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.”
This release will be updated as new information is confirmed.
“Everyone here at the Department of Defense is saddened by the incident at the Washington Navy Yard this morning,” Pentagon Press Secretary George Little. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. Secretary Hagel is closely following the situation and has assured the Navy we will provide any resource or capability needed to get the Washington Navy Yard community through this event.
“The commander of the Military District of Washington is determining the operational and security status of military installations in the National Capital Region. Individual installation commanders have the authority to change their operating status at their discretion. While the Pentagon remains open, the Pentagon Force Protection Agency increased its security posture, not out of a specific threat, but as a proactive, precautionary measure,” Little continued.
“This is a fluid situation. Navy officials are working closely with law enforcement and emergency management representatives from the FBI and the District of Columbia to secure the scene and begin the investigation. More information will be released from the appropriate agency as it becomes available,” said Little.
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From FBI.GOV –
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Senator Mitch McConnell Comments on the Navy Yard Shooting:
“We’re all thinking about today’s tragic shootings at the Navy Yard, about the victims and their families. The men and women in our military courageously put their lives on the line in many dangerous places around the world. It’s painful for all of us to think about them having to worry about their safety when they come home too.
“Many people in the area – and across the country – will be directly affected by this terrible tragedy. We pray for all of them.
“These kinds of incidents always remind us how fragile life is. They also remind those of us who work in and around the Capitol how much we owe to all the men and women who work so hard to keep us safe each and every day.
“So I want to take this opportunity to thank Terry Gainer and his team, and Chief Dine and the entire Capitol Police force, for all they do day in and day out. And for everyone else who is helping work through this tragedy – the first responders and medical personnel, the D.C. police – I want you to know one thing: we are thankful for your hard work and sacrifice.
“Everyone is deeply grateful, especially on days like this.”
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Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Chuck Hagel has released a statement on the Washington, D.C., #NavyYardShooting:
