In the days following the deadly shooting in Chattanooga, TN reports circulated that rounds were fired at the gunman by Lt. Cmdr Timothy White.
While this seems like a very warranted reaction, it’s shockingly illegal given the Department of Defense’s ban on firearms on federal property. This created a media firestorm over whether or not recruiters ought to be armed at centers such as the one in Chattanooga.
[revad1]
This outcry hit a fever pitch when when LTC (Ret.) and former Congressman Allen West posted a link to an article from his website on Facebook in which he claimed:
“Ladies and gents, resulting from the text message I received yesterday, I can confirm that the United States Navy is bringing charges against Lt. Cmdr Timothy White for illegally discharging a firearm on federal property.”
In the comment section numerous people were enraged, so much so that the Navy stepped in and made two similar replies:
These replies sparked a flurry or articles claiming that the Navy wasn’t going to file charges. However, upon careful reading, that is NOT what the Navy is saying. They are simply saying no charges have been flied YET and that the issue is still under review.
As more news on this becomes available, we will bring it to you.
____________________
More from Sitrep:
During the deadly rampage at the Armed Forces Career Center in Chattanooga, Tenn., Lt. Cmdr Timothy White used his personal weapon to fire at the gunman, Muhammad Abdulazeez. Despite claims from several news outlets and bloggers, the Navy will not press charges against White for illegally discharging his weapon at a military recruitment center.
Up until a few days ago, the Pentagon had prohibited military servicemen from carrying firearms while on federal property. This policy proved to be very controversial in the wake of the Chattanooga tragedy, prompting Congress to draft a bill changing the law and civilians to take up arms and guard military reserve centers.
Should charges be brought against Lt. Cmdr Timothy White? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
