Ivan Lopez Identified As Fort Hood Shooting Suspect, Was Iraq War Veteran
Ivan Lopez has been identified as the Fort Hood shooting suspect accused of killing three people before taking his own life on Wednesday.
The shooting happened at a medical center on the base. Though details on the Fort Hood shooting are still emerging, U.S. law enforcement officials have confirmed that four people are dead, including suspected shooter Ivan Lopez. Another 14 people were hurt in the mass shooting.
Fort Hood is one of the largest military bases in the world, with more than 45,000 soldiers and close to 9,000 civilian employees. The base was the site of another mass shooting in 2009, when Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan opened fire, killing 13 people and injuring 32 others.
Wednesday’s Fort Hood shooting prompted replies from both Texas state and national representatives.
“Today, Ft. Hood was once again stricken by tragedy. As Texans, our first priority must be caring for the victims and their families. Ft. Hood has proven its resilience before, and will again. Texas will support those efforts in any way we can, with any resources necessary,” said Texas Governor Rick Perry.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn also referenced the 2009 massacre when issuing a statement about Wednesday’s Fort Hood shooting.
“Tonight, Texans’ hearts are once again very heavy. The scenes coming from Fort Hood today are sadly too familiar and still too fresh in our memories,” he said.
Sources said suspected Fort Hood shooter Ivan Lopez had served in Iraq in 2011 and had been in treatment for mental health issues.