Army: Suspect said ‘Allahu Akbar!’ before shooting

UPDATED:

Soldiers at Fort Hood who witnessed the shooting that killed 13 and wounded 30 reported Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan shouted “Allahu Akbar!” before opening fire inside the Soldier Readiness Center, the commanding officer at the Texas base said Friday.

Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone told NBC’s “Today” show that soldiers heard the suspect shout “Allahu Akbar!” — which translates in Arabic to “God is great!” — before the rampage began at about 1:30 p.m. central time.

However, military officials later Friday morning would not confirm that report, saying only that investigators continue to interview witnesses.

The revelation is part of a profile emerging of the military psychiatrist as investigators also learned more details about his 10-minute shooting rampage, the victims and the heroes.

TWT RELATED STORIES:
• Muslims stunned by Fort Hood shooting
• 13 killed at Texas army base; psychiatrist accused

Army officials said gunman Maj. Hasan, 39, was not known to be a threat or risk, but his military career and personal life show signs of potential underlying problems and concerns.

While working at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for six years before coming to Fort Hood, Maj. Hasan required counseling and extra supervision, Dr. Thomas Grieger, who was the training director at the time, told the Associated Press.

Maj. Hasan, who helped soldiers with post traumatic stress disorder, also reportedly was harassed about being a Muslim following the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Texas Republican, said generals at Fort Hood told her that Maj. Hasan was about to be deployed overseas. He reportedly was upset about the assignment to either Iraq of Afghanistan and was opposed the U.S.’s involvement there.

The Soldier Readiness Center is for soldiers about to be deployed or returning to undergo medical screening. Some soldiers nearby were going into a theater for a graduation ceremony.

Maj. Hasan also reportedly came to the attention of law enforcement officials six months ago because of Internet postings about suicide bombings and other threats. However, there are no known records of a formal investigation.

President Obama on Friday ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half staff until Veterans Day, which is Wednesday.

“This is a modest tribute to the men and women who give their lives every day,” he said outside the White House.

Story Continues →