At least 12 people are dead after a horrific shooting spree this morning at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C.
Initial reports described a “lone gunman” in an active-shooter scenario, but the latest update from authorities describes one dead shooter and two potential additional shooters on the loose.
“We have one shooter deceased,” said D.C. Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier at a live press conference held just after noon Eastern time, and “potentially two other shooters” on the loose.
The two at-large suspects are described as a white male in his 40s-50s, in a khaki Navy-style uniform, wearing a beret and carrying a handgun; and a black male in his 50s in a military-style olive-colored uniform, with gray sideburns, carrying a long gun.
Hospitals treating the victims have reportedly discovered at least two types of bullets — which indicates multiple weapons were used. This does not verify multiple gunmen, as one shooter could be armed with multiple weapons.
An AR15 a shotgun and a handgun were all found on the shooter, according to NBC4
— Sam Stein (@samsteinhp) September 16, 2013
In retracted statements, a man was named as the deceased gunman by CBS’ Charlie Kaye on Twitter. Those tweets were quickly discredited, and the reporting was based on a military ID found at the scene.
#BREAKING from @NBCNews: Suspect: 34-year old from Texas who is now dead. FBI believes he used ID of a former Navy Yard worker
— Dianna Marie Russini (@DRussNBC) September 16, 2013
Here’s what you should know about this shocking tragedy and the hunt for those responsible:
1. Shots Were Fired Around 8:20 a.m. at Building 197, Which Houses the Headquarters of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).
According to reports, a shooter was wielding an AR-15 rifle. It was unclear if the shooter(s) had clearance to enter the base — which requires identification — or if he (they) entered by force.
Initial reports from Navy Yard shooting are suspect walked up to the facility, started shooting, and then ran inside the building.
— Devlin Barrett (@DevlinBarrett) September 16, 2013
D.C. police say at least 10 people Injured in Navy Yard shooting; Police identify suspect as black male in dark clothing
— WSJ Washington Wire (@WSJwashington) September 16, 2013
2. There Were Dramatic Helicopter Rescues
At 9:47 a.m. local time, a helicopter hovered over the building, lowered what may have been rescue basket and apparently evacuated someone from the building:
At 10:13, the helicopter again made an apparent rescue, removing a person at 10:14:
The base is about 2 miles from the U.S. Capitol complex.
3. At Least One Police Officer May Be Among the Dead and Wounded
WTTG citing scanner: Reports of officer down on the 3rd floor of Building 197 at U.S. Naval yard in Washington, D.C.
— Matthew Keys (@MatthewKeysLive) September 16, 2013
The victims include at least one “officer down.”
PHOTO: U.S. Navy Yard shooting. From @timjhogan pic.twitter.com/llD8ZqDhwB
— Lena DeFlores (@Lena3D) September 16, 2013
4. A ‘Shelter in Place Order’ Was Issued
BREAKING: Search on for a suspect after shooting in Washington Navy Yard. Unclear how many are injured @CP24 pic.twitter.com/7vbylhqq0C
— Sean Davidson (@SeanDavidson_) September 16, 2013
The yard is on lockdown. Flights were grounded at Reagan Airport. All D.C. schools were on lockdown.
There was a massive police and emergency response, and the scene was chaotic, to say the least — cops speeding to reach the scene, people running in various directions, helicopters circling.
5. Some 3,000 People Work at the Yard, Which is a Command Center for the U.S. Navy
Shooting at the Washington Navy Yard. Shooter still being sought. pic.twitter.com/7dWUSl2OcN
— Dan Fletcher (@DanFletcher71) September 16, 2013
Family members looking for information about their loved ones can call 202-433-6151 or 202-433-9713. #NavyYardShooting
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) September 16, 2013
The base has previously been targeted in an attack. More on the base and its history here: