This morning, several news sites are reporting that a gunman opened fire at a U.S. Navy command complex in Washington D.C.
The suspect, Aaron Alexis, was allegedly armed with a shotgun, and handgun it is believed he took from one of the guards he shot on the Navy Yard grounds. He drove into the Navy Yard early in the morning, passing through two security checkpoints with his firearms. A federal law enforcement agent reported that he killed one or two people in altercations after exiting his vehicle. Alexis then entered building 197 where he proceeded to fire at people on the third and fourth floors. In this Washington D.C. shooting, 13 people were killed, and three people injured (shot, but expected to survive).
Aaron Alexis, 34, had been a Navy reservist on active duty until he was discharged for misconduct. At the time of the shooting, he was working as a civilian contractor. Before D.C. police arrived, Alexis was already engaged in fire with the local security force. After their arrival, the police exchanged fire with the gunman multiple times, resulting in the injury of an officer, and the death of Alexis.
At this time, it is believed that Alexis operated alone, although the investigation is still underway.
Sources: USAtoday.com, bigstory.ap.org, washingtonpost.com
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