The gunman involved in a shooting at Fort Bragg, who was facing an honorable discharge after being accused of stealing a box of tools, has died, according to the Fayetteville Observer.
Officials said the soldier shot and killed his battalion commander, who had gathered his unit for a safety talk about July Fourth. The 42-year-old commander, identified as Lt. Col. Roy Tisdale, died immediately after being shot Thursday. Officials said the shooter then turned the gun on himself.
Fort Bragg officials said Friday the soldier had served a tour in Afghanistan. Base officials have not released the name of the gunman.
“This is obviously a tragedy for our community and we don't yet know the reason for the shooting. But we are working with the affected unit and families to help them through this extremely difficult period," said Col. Kevin Arata.
Arata said a soldier from the 525th battlefield surveillance brigade shot Tisdale.
“During a unit safety brief, one soldier shot another member of the unit and then turned the weapon on himself. The shooter was injured and is now in custody,” Arata said.
A third soldier was also wounded at the base, which is home to the 82nd Airborne Division, the 18th Airborne Corps and Special Operations forces.
Arata said a motive has not yet been determined. He added that next of kin are being notified for the killed soldier.
“Our prayers are with those who have been affected by this terrible incident,” Arata said.
Fort Bragg officials said Thursday night that soldiers typically do not have their Army-issues weapons during these formations.
For a map of the base, click here.
WSOC
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