FBI and DOJ Determine Shooting at Pensacola Naval Air Station an ‘Act of Terrorism’

On December 6th, a member of the Royal Saudi Air Force, entered a building on the grounds of Pensacola Naval Air Station and killed three U.S. sailors and severely wounded eight other Americans. Today, the FBI and DOJ have announced, this “was an act of terrorism.”

In a press conference reporting on the department’s findings, Attorney General Barr explained that the “evidence shows that the shooter was motivated by jihadist ideology.” Evidence included “that the shooter posted a message on social media on Sept. 11 of last year that said: “the countdown has begun.”” “He also posted other anti-American, anti-Israeli, and jihadi messages on social media, and did so two hours before his attack at the naval base.”

FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich commented that they “have not identified any solid evidence that the shooter acted with any co-conspirators or that he was inspired by a specific group.” Additionally, any reports that the shooter was “accompanied by other Saudi cadets” “turned out not to be accurate”, and the shooter acted by himself.

The shooter was killed during the attack.