A US major believed to have killed 13 people in a gun attack at a Texas army base was due to be deployed soon to Afghanistan, a military official said.

Major Nidal Malik Hasan, 39, a US-born Muslim, opened fire on soldiers at Fort Hood on Thursday. Relatives of the army psychiatrist said he had strongly opposed his deployment and had wanted to leave the army.

US officials said investigations into what prompted the attack had continued through the night. At an early morning news conference at Fort Hood, military officials said 12 soldiers and one civilian had been killed.

Of the 28 people who remained in hospital, 14 had required surgery but all were in a stable condition, Col Dr Steven Braverman said.

There was no comment on what might have triggered the attack



BBC NEWS | Americas | US gunman 'set for Afghan tour'

__________________
"What is the point of being an adult, if you can't be childish sometimes."

Tom Baker as The Fourth Doctor

I awoke to this being big news here, very sad for all involved. So many lives lost and so many destroyed in such a senseless act, i pray for all of them including Major Nidal Malik Hasan's family.

__________________
If you are compassionate in your approach to all tasks in life, believing that all "problems" contain valuable lessons, you will find peace of mind.
~Dr. Lee Jampolsky

Horrible news. I spent much time on a military base (Dad was in Airforce) and I always felt safe. Its too bad you are not safe on one anymore.

__________________
You always have to remember - no matter what you're told - that God loves all the flowers, even the wild ones that grow on the side of the highway."
--------------------------------------------
Life is short, live every day like its your last

Sad what one person who goes over the edge can do to so many.

I feel for all involved, yet am amazed how well they all handled the situation too.

__________________

Fast acting Officer.


Quick-Acting Police Officer Kimberly Munley Stopped Fort Hood Rampage

__________________

Report: Hasan to Face 13 Counts of Murder - CBS Newsng


Breaking news, he will be charged with 13 counts of "premeditated" murder.

__________________

I wonder if Major Nidal Malik Hasan will be defined by those he served and worked beside for this one act, instead of nearly 20 good years of service being of a "polite and gentle nature."

You have to wonder what thought process occurs behind such actions?

__________________
If you are compassionate in your approach to all tasks in life, believing that all "problems" contain valuable lessons, you will find peace of mind.
~Dr. Lee Jampolsky

He will be pretty much vilified. Those previous 20 years won't mean a thing. Having served myself in the military I can pretty much guarantee this guy WILL get a hard time. Very hard.

__________________
By Strength and Guile