fbi logo

Shooting At Pensacola Naval Base is Being Investigated as Terrorism, FBI Says

Friends of the gunman, who was in the Saudi air force, have been cooperating with the investigation into the attack, which killed three sailors.

  • By Haley Samsel
  • Dec 09, 2019

The Friday shooting at a naval base in Pensacola, Florida that killed three sailors is being investigated as a terrorist act, the FBI announced in a news briefing on Sunday.

The killer was identified as a 21-year-old second lieutenant in the Royal Saudi Air Force who was participating in flight training at the Naval Air Station Pensacola. The FBI has been interviewing a number of Saudi students at the air station who were close to the shooter, according to Rachel Rojas, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Jacksonville field office.

"Their Saudi commanding officer has restricted them to base, and the Saudi government has pledged to fully cooperate with our investigation," Rojas said during the news briefing. "I thank the Kingdom for their pledge of full and complete cooperation."

She said that investigating the shooting with the “presumption” that it was an act of terror allows law enforcement to quickly move forward to solve the crime.

“[Doing so] allows us to take advantage of investigative techniques that can help us more quickly identify and then eliminate any additional threats to the rest of our community,” Rojas said.

There are currently no evidence of additional threats, Rojas said. She said that the investigators were still trying to determine whether the gunman worked as “part of a larger network” or what role ideology may have played in the shooting. Friends of the gunman are cooperating with the investigation, she said.

The shooter was killed by an Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy who was later hospitalized but is expected to recover from his injuries.

Three U.S. sailors, identified on Saturday as Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson, Airman Mohammed Sameh Haitham and Airman Apprentice Cameron Scott Walters, were killed as a result of the attack. Another eight people were injured and taken to area hospitals.

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Survey: Only 7 Percent of Business Leaders Using AI in Physical Security

    A new survey from Pro-Vigil looks at video surveillance trends, how AI is impacting physical security, and more. Read Now

  • 2024 Gun Violence Report: Fewer Overall Incidents, but School Deaths and Injuries Are on the Rise

    Omnilert, provider of gun detection technology, today released its compilation of Gun Violence Statistics for 2024 summarizing gun violence tragedies and their adverse effects on Americans and the economy. While research showed a decrease in overall deaths and injuries, the rising number of school shootings and fatalities and high number of mass shootings underscored the need to keep more people safe in schools as well as places of worship, healthcare, government, retail and commerce, finance and banking, hospitality and other public places. Read Now

  • MetLife Stadium Uses Custom Surveillance Solution from Axis Communications

    Axis Communications, provider of video surveillance and network devices, today announced the implementation of a custom surveillance solution developed in collaboration with the MetLife Stadium security team. This new, tailored solution will help the venue augment its security capabilities, providing high-quality video at unprecedented distances and allowing the security team to identify details from anywhere in the venue. Read Now

  • U.S. Cyber Trust Mark Launches for Consumer Internet-Connected Devices

    The White House recently announced the launch of a cybersecurity label for internet-connected devices, known as the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, completing public notice and input over the last 18 months. During that time, FCC Commissioners decided in a bipartisan and unanimous vote to authorize the program and adopt final rules, as well as the trademarked, distinct shield logo that will be applied to products certified for the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark label. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions. 3

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame. 3

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file. 3