美国军事基地发生枪击，死伤数十人

2009-12-08 22:38:35　来源: Global Times 　文字大小：大　中　小

12 killed, 31 wounded in shooting at US Texas army base

Twelve people were killed and up to31 injured in two shootings Thursday at Fort Hood Army Base in Killeen, Texas, the US Army said.

Christopher Hogue, US Army spokesman at Fort Hood, told reporters that the shootings took place 1:30 p.m. CST (1930 GMT). The shooter soldier was included in the number of death and another two soldier suspects have been apprehended.

Earlier reports said seven people were dead and at least 12 injured when gunmen opened fire at about 1:30 p.m. in an area near a theater and a sports dome, also known as the soldier readiness area.

It was not immediately known if the victims are soldiers or civilians.

The shooting prompted the base and nearby schools to order a lockdown.

A message on the Fort Hood Web site said, "Effective immediately, Fort Hood is closed." "This is not a drill. It is an emergency situation," it said.

US President Barack Obama lamented the "horrific" shooting case in a military base in Texas, killing at least 12 and injuring 31 others.

"These are men and women who have made the selfless and courageous decision to risk and at times give their lives to protect the rest of us on a daily basis," Obama said when he delivered speech at the closing ceremony of the tribal nations conference.

"It"s difficult enough when we lose these brave Americans in battles overseas. It is horrifying that they should come under fire at an Army base on American soil," he said.

Obama said that the White House is working with Pentagon, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security to make sure that Fort Hood is secure and the community there has the full resources of the federal government.

"I hope in the meantime that all of you recognize the scope of this tragedy, and keep everybody in their thoughts and prayers," said the president.

FBI agents are headed to Fort Hood to assist the Army Criminal Investigation Division, which is the lead agency, said FBI spokesman Jason Pack.

Fort Hood is the US Army"s largest US post, with about 40,000 troops.