Official statements: Ft. Hood shootings

FORT EUSTIS, Va. - Statement from Governor Tim Kaine:

"As a state with a significant military presence of our own, our hearts go out to the families of Fort Hood during this terrible time. Virginia is no stranger to tragedy or the challenges faced by a community devastated by sudden and senseless violence-and our sympathies run deeper than words can express. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Killeen community today as we continue to receive the terrible news coming out of Fort Hood."

Statement from Ft. Eustis regarding Ft. Hood shootings:

Fort Eustis continues to monitor the shooting incident that occurred today at Fort Hood, Texas. At this time, the installation remains open, maintaining normal operating procedures.  As we remain vigilant of all threats, our Soldiers, family members and employees exercise protection methods to ensure the safety of our community. Our thoughts are with the families of our comrades, wounded and fallen, at Fort Hood at this time. As members of the U.S. Army, we grieve with our brothers and sisters in uniform.

Statement released by Secretary Gates:

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic events today at Fort Hood. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen, the wounded, and all those touched by this incident. There is little we can say at this point to alleviate the pain or answer the many questions this event raises, but I can pledge that the Department of Defense will do everything in its power to help the Fort Hood community get through these difficult times.”

Army Secretary Expresses Ft. Hood Shooting Condolence:

“This is a terrible tragedy that we will know more about in the coming days. For now our focus is squarely on taking care of our soldiers and their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have been killed and wounded. The leadership at Fort Hood is marshalling the medical support and counselors necessary to take care of our soldiers and their families and to notify the next of kin.”

Statement from Congressman Glenn Nye:

“It is especially tragic when such senseless violence befalls the men and women who volunteer to wear our country’s uniform, and my thoughts and prayers are with the families and victims of this terrible tragedy.”

Statement from Senator Webb:

“I am truly saddened to hear of the tragic shooting at Fort Hood, home to thousands of our nation’s active-duty military and their families. My heart goes out to the military community at Fort Hood and the families of the victims. Until we learn the full scope of the events, I will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Statement from Vice President Joe Biden:

“Jill and I join the President and Michelle in expressing our sympathies to the families of the brave soldiers who fell today. We are all praying for those who were wounded and hoping for their full and speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the entire Fort Hood community as they deal with this senseless tragedy.”

Statement from U.S. Senator Mark Warner:

"Our hearts ache over the senseless and devastating violence we've seen at Fort Hood. My prayers are with those who grieve and those who were injured. My thoughts are with the men and women who proudly serve in our nation's armed forces and the families who support them."

Statement from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC:

Col. Richard P. Flatau Jr., Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, released the following statement concerning the shooting at Ft. Hood in Killeen, Texas and the current operations aboard Camp Lejeune.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the fallen, the wounded, their families and all who are suffering the anguish of the tragedy that occurred at Ft. Hood today.  Beyond evoking our heartfelt sympathy here, the tragedy at Ft. Hood could potentially affect our security posture at Camp Lejeune. Potential threats to the Base are continuously monitored and assessed. The Base's force protection condition and measures are dynamically adjusted as warranted. That is the case every day, not just in response to what happened at Ft. Hood.

We will be monitoring information developing from the Ft. Hood incident, and assessing its meaning for Camp Lejeune. We will do so with various Federal, state and local agencies just as we do routinely. As always, we will strive to balance security of the Base and people aboard it with expedient access of the Base by those authorized and needing it. Persons seeking entry to the Base should have the necessary, valid Department of Defense (DoD) personal identification and DoD or base vehicle registration, or seek assistance at the Visitors Center located at the Base's main gate."