
Audio By Carbonatix
Several Saudi students at a US Navy base in Pensacola, Florida, have been held for questioning after Friday's shooting there, officials say.The gunman - Saudi national Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani who was a trainee at the site - killed three people in a classroom before being shot dead.Authorities have not said the other students were involved.A Twitter user appearing to match Alshamrani's identity had made a series of anti-US posts, US media say.The Florida attack was the second shooting to take place at a US military base last week. Two days earlier, a a US sailor shot dead two workers at the Pearl Harbor military base in Hawaii.What happened on Friday?Authorities were alerted to the shooting at the Pensacola base at 06:51 (12:51 GMT).It took place across two floors of a classroom building and ended when a sheriff's deputy killed Alshamrani.Eight people were also injured in the shooting, including two officers, who are expected to recover.The names of the victims have not been officially released, but family members of one of them have spoken publicly.They say Joshua Kaleb Watson, 23, was shot several times but made it out of the building to alert first responders.On Facebook, his brother Adam Watson wrote: "He died a hero and we are beyond proud but there is a hole in our hearts that can never be filled."
Why were Saudis at the US base?
The Pensacola base has long offered aviation training to foreign military allies of the US.Cpt Timothy F Kinsella Jnr, the base's commanding officer, said that about 200 international students were enrolled in programmes there.According to its website, the base employs more than 16,000 military and 7,400 civilian personnel.President Donald Trump said that King Salman of Saudi Arabia had called him after the attack to "express his sincere condolences and give his sympathies to the families and friends of the warriors who were killed".Mr Trump said the Saudi king told him that "this person in no way shape or form represents the feelings of the Saudi people who love the American people".However, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Saudi Arabia owed "a debt here, given that this was one of their individuals".He added: "There's obviously going to be a lot of questions about this individual being a foreign national, being a part of the Saudi air force and then to be here training on our soil."DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
[Watch Live] Shatta Wale, Kofi Kinaata, and others ignite the grand finale of Gomoa Easter Carnival
1 hour -
Berekum Chelsea edge Aduana FC in Bono derby to boost survival hopes
4 hours -
‘They can’t control the team’ – Ernest Thompson doubts local coaches for Black Stars role
5 hours -
Ghana-born midfielder Seidu realises ‘dream’ with Atlético Madrid debut
5 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Bubakari strikes late to hand All Blacks vital win over Dreams FC
5 hours -
Fatal crash on Kintampo–Tamale highway claims four lives
5 hours -
2025–26 FA Cup Semifinal Draw: Chelsea, Man City Learn Wembley Opponents
6 hours -
GPL 25/26: Gold Stars back on top after beating Nations FC
6 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Heart of Lions roar back with victory over Vision FC in Kpando
7 hours -
Solomon Agbasi: Hearts keeper in stable condition after concussion
7 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Late Salim Adams penalty earns Medeama draw at Bechem
7 hours -
Hearts pip Young Apostles 1-0 to end 5-game winless run
8 hours -
Boakye Agyarko marks Easter Sunday with a call for Godly leadership ahead of nationwide campaign tour
9 hours -
Pepsi withdraws as UK festival sponsor after Kanye West backlash
9 hours -
Pope Leo calls for global leaders to choose peace in his first Easter Mass
9 hours