Defense

FBI identifies Pensacola shooter as Saudi Royal Saudi Air Force second lieutenant

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The FBI on Saturday night officially identified the suspect in a Friday shooting at a naval air base in Florida as a Saudi Royal Air Force second lieutenant. 

The FBI’s Jacksonville branch told The Hill in an email that the shooter was Mohammed Alshamrani, 21.

The organization described him as a “2nd LT in the Royal Saudi Air Force who was a student naval flight officer of Naval Aviation Schools Command.”

The FBI is not currently aware of any additional threats to Pensacola.

Three people and the shooter were killed and several additional people were injured in a shooting Friday at the air base. 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has previously said that the person was part of the Saudi Air Force

President Trump told reporters Saturday that he spoke with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and that “they are devastated in Saudi Arabia” over the incident. 

He said that the king will be “involved in taking care of families and loved ones.”

The Associated Press reported Friday that officials were investigating whether the incident was terrorism-related, but Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Saturday that he is not characterizing the attack as terrorism “at this time.”

Officials have previously said that the gunman was at the base for aviation training. Following that news, Florida Sen. Rick Scott (R) has called for a review of military programs to train foreign nationals.  

Tags Donald Trump Mark Esper Ron DeSantis Saudi Arabia

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