A U.S. Navy sailor opened fire at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Wednesday, killing two Department of Defense civilians and injuring one before killing himself.
Navy officials confirmed the suspect was a male sailor assigned to the USS Columbia, who opened fire at 2:30 p.m. local time around the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard’s Dry Dock 2s and 3 and prompted a lockdown in the area, which was later lifted.
The names of the sailor and the victims have not yet been released.
Investigators with the base, Naval Criminal Investigative Services, and other agencies are coordinating to probe the incident.
Shipyard Commander, Capt. Greg Burton posted a message on the Shipyard’s social media accounts, saying, “Today we lost two of our shipyard civilians with another seriously injured in a tragic event this afternoon.”
“I know that no words will convey the full measure of sorrow from today’s tragedy. This loss will be felt throughout our shipyard ‘Ohana, greater shipyard & NAVSEA family, submarine force, and the Navy as a whole,” Burton added.
Burton urged personnel to contact their chain of command to “facilitate time for you to begin to process this tragedy.”
“Looking ahead, we will honor the life and legacy of those lost. Even now, as we mourn the loss of members of our ‘Ohana, please take the opportunity to reconnect with each other and to reinforce and strengthen the bonds with each other. We value each one of you deeply and we are here for you,” Burton said.
Rear Adm. Robert Chadwick, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii, said, “We are saddened by this incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.”
“The Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard is a vital part of our Navy ohana, and we have generations of families who work there. Our security forces are working closely with agencies investigating this incident, and we are making counseling and other support available to those who need it after this tragedy,” Chadwick added.
The base’s Emergency Family Assistance Center, as well as counseling and chaplain services, was activated for affected personnel and their families.
Non-essential personnel were instructed not to report to work on the base until Friday morning.
The incident took place just three days before the 78th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, which took place Dec. 7, 1941.
