NAS Pensacola Shooting Investigation Continues; Four Dead, Eight Injured
December 7, 2019
Investigators are working to determine what caused a Saudi national training at NAS Pensacola to go on a deadly shooting rampage Friday that left four people, including the shooter, dead.
The shooter and two other victims passed away at the scene of the shooting; one later died at Baptist Hospital. Eight others were injured, including the two Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies that “did negate the threat”, according to Sheriff David Morgan.
Navy and law enforcement officials identified the shooter as a Saudi pilot in training on the base. He was identified by multiple national news organizations as Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani. Fox News, The New York Times and other national media outlets reported late Friday that the FBI had arrested six Saudi nationals in connection with the shooting, several of which may have video recorded as Alshamrani opened fire.
Guns are not permitted on NAS Pensacola outside security forces, but Morgan said the shooter managed to get a handgun onto the base before targeting individuals on two floors of classrooms in Building 633.
“There was some real heroism today,” said the base’s commanding officer, Capt. Timothy F. Kinsella. “I am devastated, we are in shock, this is surreal, but I couldn’t be prouder to wear the uniform that I wear because of my brothers and sisters in uniform, civilian or otherwise, that did what they did today to save lives.”
The FBI is now leading the probe into mass shooting, which Congressman Matt Gaetz called an act of terrorism.
“This was not a murder. This was an act of terrorism,” Gaetz said. “…It remains to be seen if whether or not this person acted alone, or whether there were other individuals were involved in the planning, inspiration or execution of this act of terrorism.”
“We are praying hard for the victims and families impacted by today’s shooting at NAS Pensacola. As a Navy veteran, today hits especially close to home,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said. “NAS Pensacola is a special place and these brave warriors who wear the wings come here for flight training to protect and serve our great nation. My administration and state agencies have deployed and will continue to provide support personnel and services to all of the military, civilians and families impacted by today’s senseless act of violence.
“Today’s shooting not only strikes at the heart of Northwest Florida, but for the Navy nationwide and around the world,” DeSantis continued. “The response we saw from the deputies at Escambia County Sheriff’s office and active personnel responding to the scene is commendable and lives were saved because of the bravery of those wearing the uniform of the U.S. Navy and our local law enforcement, including from those who were wounded and still worked to help others. Their bravery will not be in vain. We have learned that the shooter was a foreign national in the employ of a foreign service and the government of Saudi Arabia needs to make things better for the victims and they’re going to owe a debt here.”
President Donald Trump tweeted Friday that he had been in contact with King Salman, who offered condolences. “The king said that the Saudi people are greatly angered by the barbaric actions of the shooter,” Trump said.
Later, Trump told reporters at the White House, “It’s a horrible thing that took place and we’re getting to the bottom of it.”
In a statement, Saudi King Salman called the shooting a “heinous crime” and said he expressed his sorrow over the attack in his phone call with President Trump. The king said he has directed Saudi security services to cooperate with American agencies to uncover information that will help determine the cause of the “horrific attack.”
A sailor shot three civilians at a base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Wednesday, killing two of them before committing suicide.
In a response to both shootings, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement Friday, “The Department of Defense continues to monitor the situation in Pensacola and gather all the facts of each attack.” He said he is “considering several steps to ensure the security of our military installations and the safety of our service members and their families.”
Two Teens Now Arrested In Tate High Battery Case
December 7, 2019
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has now arrested two teens in connection with the battery of a student Wednesday at Tate High School.
Lester Cheatham, 17, was arrested on a charge of felony battery Thursday afternoon. By Friday afternoon 16-year old Ya’Marcus Gross was also taken into custody on an outstanding warrant for felony battery.
Videos taken by students show the altercation with the victim falling to the ground after being punched in the face. He can be then be seen on the ground as he he is punched and kicked by two students believed to be Cheatham and Gross.
The student was released from the hospital and is now recovering at home. Social media rumors that the student died or lost his sight are not true, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
NorthEscambia.com images.
NAS Shooting Reaction: Lord, On A Day Like Today, I Have Found A Reason To Be Thankful
December 7, 2019
When the call for blood donations went out following the mass shooting at NAS Pensacola Friday, the community responded in a huge way.
Jessica Simpson, vice president of the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce jumped in to help. She explains what she found at OneBlood, in her own words:
It started off quiet at OneBlood on 9th Avenue in Pensacola.
And then they started showing up.
Young flight students and other active duty service members from Pensacola NAS. The blood bank was so overwhelmed, all of the employees started screening and the soldiers started working the front desk.
It was all I could do to deliver snacks & drinks for them while Sara RuthAnn Lefevers buzzed the door open and Matt Simpson refilled the drink stock. (You both rock)
It was heart wrenching to see their faces and know they had lost friends.
One young lady & service member asked me to answer her cell phone when it rang (since she was answering One Blood phones) and her friend on the other end merely asked me to tell her he was alive. I’ve. Never. 
One young man offered to take the actual, filled blood bags in his back seat to the hospital for his friend.
Lord come quickly.
This is too much. I had to sit down. They are so young. And yet, they’ve been sitting here for hours and will sit until every last one gives all the blood they can.
I am changed by their love.
Lord, even on a day like today, I have found reasons to be thankful.
OneBlood will be open for donatiosn from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday at 1999 East Nine Mile Road and 2209 N 9th Ave. More info: www.oneblood.org
Driver Injured In Crash With Tree Along State Line
December 7, 2019
One person was injured in a crash with a tree Friday night on the Alabama/Florida state line.
The crash happened shortly before 6 p.m. in a 90 degree curve on Old Bratt Road just a few feet into Alabama near Atmore.
The Atmore Fire Department had to clear a few small trees from around the vehicle to free the driver. She was transported to an area hospital by ambulance.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
#prayforPensacola – Local, State Officials In Their Own Words On NAS Pensacola Shootings
December 7, 2019
Local and state leaders are reacting and reflecting on the deadly shootings. Here are their thoughts, in their own words:
“Today, I was able to witness both the dark and the light of our amazing community,” Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley said. “There has been tragic and senseless loss and we will grieve for the victims and their families. But, there was also a well executed response by emergency medical services, law enforcement, and medical personnel. These teams worked together and lives were saved. I am proud of our first responders and hope folks will thank them for all they do each day.”
“#prayforPensacola,” Gilley ended her text to NorthEscambia.com.
“Our hearts are with the victims of today’s horrific tragedy. We pray for comfort and support to all those affected,” Florida Senator Doug Broxson said. “If you are in Pensacola, you can help by donating blood at the Northwest Florida Blood Center.”
“This morning we woke up to horrible news,” Representative Mike Hill said in a statement Friday. “A gunman launched a hate-filled attack in our Naval Air Station in Pensacola, leaving three innocent lives behind and many wounded. Our Escambia County Law Enforcement Officers responded quickly and courageously. We are so proud of their heroic efforts. We are praying for the victims and their families. Our office resources are available to assist.”
“My thoughts and prayers are certainly with all the innocent victims and their families,” Escambia County Commission Chairman and District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “It’s something I never could have imagined happening in our community. I would like to express my most profound gratitude to all law enforcement, EMS and fire personnel, and all first responders who not only rushed to action, but they also rushed directly into a deadly scene this morning. Their courage and dedication clearly saved lives, and kept this tragedy from being even worse. Our community will forever be in their debt.”
“Today was a tragic and sad day and all of our prayers are with the victims of today. We should also be very, very proud of our local first responders who stepped up like the heroes they are and met the threat head on and neutralized it. And, I also want to give special appreciative thanks to our Escambia County EMS personnel for the swift an expert care of the wounded,” said District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, who was headed to work aboard NAS Pensacola at the time of the shooting.
“Tragedies such as this are the tests that challenge how well we are prepared to respond to crisis,” remarked District 2 Commissioner Doug Underhill. “Our first responders, in collaboration with our Navy partners, performed exceptionally well when it mattered most. Today Escambia County and the Navy reaped the rewards of systematic collaboration and training, and almost certainly prevented what could have been a much greater loss of life. Every one of us should say a prayer for the victims and the first responders, and take a few minutes to consider our own resiliency and preparedness that we might perform as with honor if ever called upon.”
“We are praying for the families, friends and loved ones whose lives have been changed forever by the tragic shooting at NAS Pensacola today,” said District 3 Commissioner Lumon May. “We ask God to bring comfort to those who are grieving and strength to those who are recovering. Our deepest condolences are with all who have been affected.”
“NAS Pensacola is such an integral, important part of Escambia County and we are very supportive of our military and are keeping all of our thoughts and prayers with them,” remarked District 4 Commissioner and BOCC Vice-Chair Robert Bender. “We continue to support them as Escambia County and as citizens in this time of grief.”
“Today is a tragic day for Pensacola. Our hearts go out to those affected by this senseless act of violence, and we ask that the community continue to support and pray for the victims’ families and loved ones. Naval Air Station Pensacola has been an integral part of our city for nearly 200 years, and the impact of this tragedy will be felt throughout our community,” Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson said. “I express my sincere gratitude to the men and women aboard NAS Pensacola who selflessly serve our country every day, and to our first responders who bravely answered the call of duty this morning and put their lives on the line to restore public safety. All of you are true heroes, and we are grateful for your service.”
The City of Pensacola is here to support NAS Pensacola with mutual aid and any resources they may need during this incredibly difficult time,” Robinson continued. “This will certainly take a toll on our entire community, but I know” Pensacola is stronger than any tragedy. The worst of times often bring out the best in humanity, and I truly believe the people of Pensacola will come together and become even stronger through this ordeal.”
Pictured: #PrayForPensacola – the Pensacola Graffiti Bridge on Friday. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Governor Orders Flags To Half Staff In Florida For NAS Pensacola Shooting Victims
December 7, 2019
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered flags in the state to half staff “in honor and remembrance of the victims of the senseless act of violence committed at Naval Air Station Pensacola”.
“In honor and remembrance of the victims of the senseless act of violence committed at Naval Air Station Pensacola, today, December 6, 2019, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida,” DeSantis wrote on Friday.
Flags will remain at half staff in Florida until sunset on Friday, December 13.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
First Scene Photo: NAS Pensacola Shooting At Building 633
December 6, 2019
The mass shooting at NAS Pensacola Friday morning occurred in Building 633, a large multi-story classroom building.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting incident occurred across two floor of the building. Three people, including the gunman, died inside Building 633. One person shot inside the building later died at Baptist Hospital.
NorthEscambia.com has obtained this exclusive photo of the scene outside Building 633 this morning.
For the latest on the NAS Pensacola shooting, click here.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
NAS Pensacola Mass Shooting Was Act Of Terrorism, Gaetz Says
December 6, 2019
Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz says the mass shooting Friday morning at NAS Pensacola was an act of terrorism by a Saudi national training at the base.
“This was not a murder. This was an act of terrorism,” Congressman Matt Gaetz said. “This will be treated as an act of terrorism, not a murder.”
The investigation has been handed over from NCIS to the FBI, the congressman said.
“It remains to be seen if whether or not this person acted alone, or whether there were other individuals were involved in the planning, inspiration or execution of this act of terrorism,” Gaetz said.
NorthEscambia.com exclusive photo.
OneBlood: Blood Needs Met After NAS Pensacola Shooting
December 6, 2019
OneBlood, the local blood center serving Florida and other parts of the southeast, responded immediately to the tragic shooting that occurred at the Pensacola Naval Air Station Base by rushing additional blood to the area hospitals treating the wounded.
While the immediate blood needs have been met, there is a need to replenish the area’s blood and platelet supply, according to OneBlood.
OneBlood is asking all eligible donors to please visit a donor center or Big Red Bus blood drive and donate. Appointments are encouraged and can be made online by visiting oneblood.org.
Generally healthy people age 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. To learn more about the importance of blood donation and how donors can target the power of their blood type visit oneblood.org.
Baptist Hospital Remains Open After NAS Pensacola Shooting
December 6, 2019
Statement from Baptist Hospital
Baptist Hospital continues to care for the patients from NAS Pensacola. Baptist received a total of eight patients. At the request of Navy representatives, any questions regarding patients or patient conditions should be directed to NAS Pensacola or Escambia County law enforcement.
Baptist Hospital services have not been interrupted. All services are fully operational. If you have an appointment on our campus, it is not affected by this event.
We are grateful for the outpouring of support that is being offered from the community and across the state. Baptist Hospital is fully staffed and has all the necessary resources needed. If you wish to offer your support, please visit One Blood, our blood donation provider, at 2209 North 9th Avenue or 1999 East 9 Mile Road.