His motive is unclear, says Heavy, but in light of the Islamic State tweet that went out at the time the shooting began, and the Islamic State calls to Muslims in the West to target military personnel, it seems clear enough.
“Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know,” by Tom Cleary, Heavy, July 16, 2015:
Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez has been identified by CBS News as the gunman who fatally shot four Marines and wounded a police officer on Thursday in shootings at two military recruiting and training centers in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
At least two others were injured, including one in critical condition. The officer is in stable condition.
The shootings happened at separate military reserve centers on Lee Highway and Amnicola Highway.
Not much is known so far about Abdulazeez.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. A Witness Said the Gunman Fired From a Mustang Outside a Recruiting Center in a Shopping Mall
Chattanooga shootingA woman who worked at a restaurant next to the recruiting office on Lee Highway told CNN she saw the shooting.
“I looked out of our window and I seen the guy in his car, a silver Mustang, drop top, a white guy and he had a high-powered rifle and was just firing shots into the Air Force, Navy and Marines office,” Gina Mule told CNN. “I don’t even know how many shots he fired, but it was a lot. … After he got done opening fire, he pulled out really quick.”
2. He Also Opened Fire at a Military Facility About 8 Miles Away
Chattanooga shootingThe two military facilities are about eight miles apart. Police say the shooter went to the Amnicola Highway location after opening fire on Lee Highway.
Police shut down the area around the second facility.
3. The Gunman Is From ArizonaAuthorities said the gunman lives in the Chattanooga area, but CBS News reports that he is from Phoenix, Arizona.
Phoenix — like the Garland jihadis. How interesting.
4. His Motive Is Not Yet Known
Police have not yet released a motive for why the gunman targeted the two military facilities and military personnel….
Yes, it’s a total mystery.