Gunman Identified In Deadly Attacks On Military Facilities In Chattanooga

UPDATE: 4 Marines killed, police officer shot in Chattanooga

Posted: Jul 16, 2015 10:21 AM CDT Updated: Jul 16, 2015 3:20 PM CDT

Mohammad Youssduf Adbulazeer
Mohammad Youssduf Adbulazeer
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WRCB) –

UPDATE: The Chattanooga shooting suspect has been identifed as Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Kuwait.

Four U.S. marines were killed Thursday by a gunman in Chattanooga. Mayor Andy Berke confirmed the fatalities in an afternoon news conference.

A Chattanooga police officer, identified as Dennis Pedigo was wounded, and is said to be in stable condition.

Berke called the shooting a “nightmare for Chattanooga.”

The lone gunman was killed, officials said.

The shooting started at 10:45am and ended within 30 minutes.

The U.S. Attorney Bill Killian called the shooting an “act of domestic terrorism” and pledged the resources of the FBI and Department of Homeland Security for the investigation.

Other military installations in the state have been notified and are on alert, but not locked down.

The FBI has not yet determined a motive for the shooting, saying that they will use any and all means to investigate the shooter.

Gov. Bill Haslam told WSMV, the NBC affiliate in Nashville, that lives had been lost, but he offered no further details.

The gunman fired 25 to 30 rounds at a military recruitment facility, a U.S. military official said. The gunman then drove about six miles to a Navy and Marines reserve center and opened fire there, officials said.

Officials from the city will have a news conference about 2:00pm, where we expect to learn more details about today’s shooting.

Chattanooga police officer shot is said to be in stable condition. No word on others.

President Barack Obama has been briefed about the shooting.

NBC’s Pete Williams reports that five people have been shot: one police officer, and four Marines.

The shooting incident began on the U.S. Naval Recruiting offices on Lee Highway in Chattanooga ended at the U.S. Naval Reserve Center on Amnicola Highway Thursday morning about 11am.

A Chattanooga police officer was shot, according to Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke. Both Berke and CPD Chief Fred Fletcher visited the shooting scene and went to the hospital to check on the officer.

The Hamilton County Medical Examiner is on standby, but has not been dispatched to either of the scenes.

Blood Assurance has send multiple units of blood to Erlanger; requesting donations to add those who’ve been injured, shot. The line is growing as people help those in need.

The Department of Homeland Security has activated their Chattanooga Strike Team, other district strike teams have been put on standby.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam’s residence was shutdown temporarily, but has since re-opened. Additional security is in place at the Tennessee Capitol, and THP troopers are in place around the complex.

Roads around both areas are closed to traffic as the investigation continues.

A reported shooting at Bradley Square Mall has been ruled as to be false. Police are still on hand as they continue to investigate.

The FBI and ATF are at the scene to aid in the investigation.

Berke left a news conference early when he received the news of the shooting.

Police have set up a command post near the scene. There’s currently no word on the condition of those involved.

U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander said in an email:

“I am deeply disturbed by reports of a violent attack in Chattanooga. I have been in touch with federal, state and local officials and will monitor the situation closely. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.”

U.S. Senator Bob Corker said in a statement:

“I am heartbroken by the tragic shootings that have taken place today in my hometown,” said Corker. “We have been in touch with federal, state and local officials and continue to monitor developments and have offered our assistance. This is a difficult day for Tennesseans and our thoughts and prayers are with all affected by this tragedy.” 

Corker served as mayor of Chattanooga from 2001-2005.

Stay with Channel 3 and WRCBtv.com for updates on this developing story.

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