The FBI has declared a Thursday morning shooting at Naval Air Station-Corpus Christi a “terrorism-related” incident.
“We have determined that the incident this morning at the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi is terrorism-related,” FBI Special Agent Leah Greeves said. “We are working diligently with our state, local and federal partners on this investigation, which is fluid and evolving.”
Officials are still working around the clock on the scene. A motive has not yet been revealed.
“We may have a potential second related person of interest at large in the community,” Greeves said, and encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity.
The shooting took place early Thursday morning after a man attempted to ram a vehicle through the base gate. Security personnel raised a barrier, preventing the man from breaching the gate, which prompted him to exit his car and begin shooting at Navy personnel, officials told The Associated Press.
Navy security forces exchanged fire with the suspect, killing him after he struck and wounded a service member.
The base announced it was entering lockdown status at 6:15 a.m. CST.
“NAS Corpus Christi is now in a lockdown status. There is an active shooter in the vicinity of the North Gate,” the base said in a social media update. “If you are in or near the North Gate get out and away to safety. Execute lockdown procedures — remain indoors and away from windows.”
The base remained in lockdown status for approximately five hours, eventually lifting it at 11:38 a.m. CST.
In an update posted at 1:19 p.m. CST, the base confirmed one sailor was injured in the incident, and the suspect was “neutralized.”
“Thanks to NASCC security and CCPD law enforcement officers’ prompt and professional response to an active shooter at the North/Ocean Drive Gate, this morning’s incident ended with only minor injuries to one Security Force personnel,” the update said.
“The injured Sailor was taken to a local hospital, deemed in good condition and released. The shooter no longer poses a threat. North/Ocean Drive Gate remains closed until further notice. The Main/South Gate is open,” the update added.
