A violent shooting has taken place at Ft. Hood Army Base in Texas. Seven people are dead and more than 15 have been injured.
There may have been more than one shooter involved. The army base is in lock-down and the FBI is on the way to the scene.
Update 3:28 PM CT: One news report (CNN) says 9 have lost their life and up to 30 injured.
No official word has confirmed any deaths.
Update 3:49 PM: 12 have died now.
Update 3:53 PM: News conference with Lt. General Bob Cone: terrible tragedy today. At about 13:30 a shooter entered the readiness area -- shooter killed -- lockdown still in effect. Eye witnesses said there may have been more than one involved -- Individuals involved were U.S. soldiers but investigation is ongoing as to their motive.
Update 4:15 PM: Two other people, (military personnel) are in custody as possible suspects or other shooters. 31 wounded.
Update 4:44 PM: It has been reported the shooter may have recently converted to Islam. This has not be confirmed by officials, though.
Update 4:55 PM: Shooter's name: Army Maj. Malik Nadal Hasan. He was a psychiatrist who was transferred from Walter Reed Medical Center to Ft. Hood this past summer.
Update 6:25 PM: Hasan was born and raised in America and had always been a Muslim, according to his cousin who was interviewed on Fox News by phone. He abruptly ended the interview after a few minutes.
The two other suspects have been released.
Update 6:49 PM: A new suspect has been picked up, per Fox News who interviewed Congressman John Carter in Texas.
Ft, Hood is still on lock-down.
No confirmation about any of this has been made by military officials.
Update 7:00 PM: Lockdown has now been lifted.
Update 7:28 PM: Hasan had apparently written some blog posts or comments about suicide bombers. He also made a comment to a military colleague that Muslims should rise up against the aggressor (the U.S.)
Update 8:15 PM: Official press conference: The shooter is not dead but in stable condition in a hospital. Day of mouring tomorrow. 12 dead 31 wounded. Only gave shooter's name and will say anything about him. Believe he is the only shooter but is counter to how many shots fired. Most victims were military. The FBI is on base. Cannot rule out terrorism but doesn't appear so. Shooter is not speaking to investigators - he didn't clarify.
Update 11/9/09: Hasan Communicated With Radical Religious Leader, Official Says
The official said Hasan’s communications were with Anwar al Awlaki, who news reports said was the imam at a Falls Church, Virginia, mosque when Hasan and his relatives worshipped there. U.S. authorities, who intercepted the communications before the attack at Fort Hood, determined the messages didn’t pose a threat, said the official, who requested anonymity.
Earlier today, the New York Times reported the communications Hasan had with al Awlaki, who is known for his anti-American views. A Web posting purportedly from al Awlaki praised the shooting at Fort Hood...
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Also see:
Rep. Pete Hoekstra accuses Obama administration of withholding critical information
American Islamic leader living in Yemen calls Major Hasan a hero
Ft. Hood terrorist worn religious outfit morning of shooting
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