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Tuesday, April 16, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Questions Remain Day after Tenn. Shootings

(CN) - A day after shootings on military targets brought Chattanooga, Tenn. to a standstill, authorities are working to learn more about the gunman and a possible motive.

Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez was named as the shooter Thursday. The 24-year-old died soon after he opened fire on a military recruiting center and a reserve center, killing four Marines and injuring three others, although it is unclear whether he was killed by police or committed suicide.

He lived in Chattanooga suburb Hixson, according to a Times Free Press report.

Two victims were identified by Friday morning: Springfield, Mass. native Thomas Sullivan and Skip Wells, a Georgia Southern University student, CNN reports.

Eastern Tennessee U.S. Attorney Bill Killian said hours after the incident that investigators were treating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism. Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke called it "a nightmare" for the city.

President Barack Obama said Thursday afternoon that his thoughts are with the victims' families.

"My main message right now is, obviously, the deepest sympathies of the American people to the four Marines that have been killed. It is a heartbreaking circumstance for these individuals who have served our country with great valor to be killed in this fashion," Obama told reporters. "And although the families are still in the process of being contacted, I want them to know that I speak for the American people in expressing our deepest condolences, and knowing that they have our full support as they try to overcome the grief that's involved here."

Abdulazeez was a martial arts student and devout Muslim, according to a CNN report, which also cites classmates describing him as funny and popular.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said he was "sickened and saddened by this senseless act." His lieutenant governor echoed those comments.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families affected in this horrific attack against those who proudly serve our country," Tennessee Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey said. "I am grateful to the first responders who worked quickly to eliminate the immediate threat and continue to work to keep Chattanooga safe."

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