Hawaiʻi Delegation Reaction to DC Naval Shooting

WASHINGTON (Sept. 16, 2013) An undated file photo of an aerial view of the Washington Navy Yard. (US Navy photo/Released)

By Wendy Osher

Several people were injured and there are reports of fatalities in a shooting at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington DC, Naval officials confirmed.

The incident was reported at around 8:20 a.m. Eastern Time at the Naval Sea Systems Command Headquarters building, officials said.

Captain Cathy Lanier with the DC Police Department spoke at a press conference broadcast live across multiple networks including Hawaii News Now this morning saying agencies are still engaged in an ongoing investigation.

During her address, Capt. Lanier confirmed that at least one of the deceased was a shooter, and that there were “multiple victims” that were also deceased as a result of the incident.

The FBI released information saying an individual by the name of Aaron Alexis is believed to be responsible for the Washington Navy Yard shootings. FBI flyer, courtesy image. Anyone with information regarding Alexis, is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

The FBI also released information saying an individual by the name of Aaron Alexis is believed to be responsible for the Washington Navy Yard shootings. According to the FBI, Alexis’ place of birth is Queens, New York, and his last known residence was Ft. Worth, Texas.

US Representative Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaiʻi, who serves as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released a statement this morning saying her thoughts are with the victims and their families of what she called a “senseless act.”

According to Hanabusa, the team at the Naval Yard provides logistical support to the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and critical services to Hawaiʻi’s sailors and marines.

Rep. Hanabusa’s complete statement is as follows:

“My thoughts are with the victims and their families, and I hope all those affected by this senseless act are able to find comfort during this difficult time. My office works closely with Vice Admiral Hilarides and his outstanding staff at Naval Sea Systems Command, who provide valuable logistical support to Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and critical services to Hawaiʻi’s sailors and marines, and we are keeping them in our prayers. We will continue to monitor this tragic situation and explore solutions that will help improve security measures at our military installations. Our brave men and women in uniform, and our civilian personnel who work alongside them, put themselves in harm’s way to protect our nation and we must ensure we are doing all we can to protect them where they work.”

US Senator Mazie Hirono also provided a comment via her Twitter account saying, “My thoughts are with the Navy Yard workers & first responders, their families & all affected by the Navy Yard Shooting.”

US Representative Tulsi Gabbard also commented via her Twitter account in which she said, “Devastated to hear news of the Navy Yard Shooting today. My heart goes out to those affected. For anyone in the area, please stay safe.”

According to information released by the US Navy, there are an estimated 3,000 people who work at the DC Navy facility, which is recognized as the largest of the Navy’s five system commands.