FORT HOOD, TX — We have a new potential motive in the deadly Fort Hood mass shooting. Β Investigators originally thought a medical condition caused Specialist Ivan Lopez to kill three people and injure 16 others before killing himself. Β They now believe Lopez may have pulled the trigger after his leave was denied.
The feds say he wanted time off to deal with a family issue related to his mother’s recent death. Β The soldier was being treated for depression and was under evaluation for PTSD. Β His father issued a statement today, apologizing to the victims’ families. Β He says his son was not in his right mind. Β
The governor of Texas also offered comfort Friday. Β “There aren’t any easy answers to what occurred here. Β And there’s no way to wish away the suffering that is occurring,” he said.
Fort Hood will hold a memorial for the three soldiers killed next Wednesday.
One of the 16 soldiers hurt in the shooting is a recent graduate of Campbell University’s Fort Bragg campus. Β John Arroyo was shot in the neck, but is recovering with his family in Texas. Β John Robertson, Dean of Extended Programs at Campbell University, said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with John and the Arroyo family. Β We wish him success in his recovery.”
