Ft. Hood opens Family Hotline as massacre investigation proceeds

Update: Breaking news and updates about the Ft. Hood shootings will be added throughout the day, posted at the end of the original article.

In the wake of a mass shooting by an alleged suspect identified as Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, 39, Ft. Hood opened a Family Hotline for information. The Family Hotline number is 254-288-7570 or 1-866-836-2751. Early reports by various media suggest a complex set of circumstances as official investigations get underway. The shootings also raise questions about the impact of what some perceive as frivolous lawsuits involving manipulation for gain. (Story continues after photo.)

Fox News has provided some of the broadest, timeliest coverage of the Ft. Hood shootings.[Screen shot of early coverage/The US Report.]

Fox News broadcast initial coverage, interviewing by phone a man claiming to be a cousin of the alleged shooter. Nader Hasan told Fox anchor Shepard Smith that the major, who is reportedly a psychiatrist, had been in the military since graduating from high school. Hasan said the officer was being deployed to Iraq and “things with the war were affecting him psychologically.” Hasan added the American-born muslim was “being harassed by colleagues” and had hired an attorney. “I’m shocked,” he said.

Fox News also did a phone interview with retired Col. Terry Lee who said he had worked with Maj. Hasan. Lee said Hasan argued with colleagues about the war, and hoped to avoid being deployed.
Additional background from Hasan’s cousin and others suggested the psychiatrist had received part of his education through the US Army and was earning a six figure income.

Late night coverage on ABC News’ Nightline brought up issues of the major being harassed.

Fox News reported on Friday, citing coverage by KXXV-TV [Waco], hinting at premeditation: “Before Thursday's shooting, Hasan reportedly gave away all of his furniture along with copies of the Koran to neighbors.” Hasan lived in Killeen.

KXXV-TV said on Friday, “News Channel 25's Henry Rosoff was on the scene as police first established a perimeter. Officers told Henry they were waiting to search Hasan's apartment until the Fort Hood Bomb Squad could clear the building.”

Some media claimed Hasan had allegedly made blog postings on the Net justifying suicide bombings.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations issued a statement on Thursday condemning the alleged shooter’s actions: “We condemn this cowardly attack in the strongest terms possible and ask that the perpetrators be punished to the full extent of the law. No religious or political ideology could ever justify or excuse such wanton and indiscriminate violence. The attack was particularly heinous in that it targeted the all-volunteer army that protects our nation. American Muslims stand with our fellow citizens in offering both prayers for the victims and sincere condolences to the families of those killed or injured.”

At this point there are nagging questions about why a career soldier would turn on his fellows. Was he terrified of deployment to a combat zone? As a psychiatrist, did he simply want out of his obligations after enjoying educational benefits and other benefits from military service, and did he deliberately provoke confrontations with his comrades in an effort to build a case for his dismissal? Did his professional background lend itself to manipulating situations that might help him build a case for harassment? Do other legal actions by muslims such as the highly publicized ‘Flying Imams’ case encourage confrontations in hopes of financial or other gain by the instigator(s)?

One glaring question relates to charges that may be filed. The FBI defines domestic terrorism: “Domestic terrorism involves groups or individuals who are based and operate entirely within the United States and Puerto Rico without foreign direction and whose acts are directed at elements of the U.S. Government or population.” Technically if allegations are proven true, Hasan’s alleged actions fit that definition, but since he was a member of the military, he would conceivably fall within military court jurisdiction.

Thus far, Fox News has provided the broadest coverage of the Ft. Hood massacre, offering a splash page with various links to different stories.

In addition to the Family Hotline, Ft. Hood asked people to consider making blood donations due to the number of injured.

Former president George W. Bush issued a statement from nearby Crawford after the shootings. Fox News released the statement early Thursday evening: "I was saddened to learn of the tragic incident at Fort Hood. Laura and I are keeping the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

During the interview with Fox News, the alleged shooter’s cousin expressed sympathy for victims’ families and seemed incredulous about Hasan’s alleged violent actions. “He had no violent tendencies,” he said of the alleged Ft. Hood shooter. [Article by Kay B. Day]

Update on Friday, November 6, 2009 at 11:27AM by Kay B. Day, Editor

NBC Chicago said President Barack Obama displayed 'frightening insensitivity' following the Ft. Hood mass killings. Robert A. George wrote: "But instead of a somber chief executive offering reassuring words and expressions of sympathy and compassion, viewers saw a wildly disconnected and inappropriately light president making introductory remarks. At the event, a Tribal Nations Conference hosted by the Department of Interior's Bureau of Indian affairs, the president thanked various staffers and offered a "shout-out" to "Dr. Joe Medicine Crow -- that Congressional Medal of Honor winner."  Three minutes in, the president spoke about the shooting, in measured and appropriate terms. Who is advising him?"

Update on Friday, November 6, 2009 at 11:39AM by Kay B. Day, Editor

The Wall Street Journal said the female civilian police officer who stopped the Ft. Hood shooter's rampage is expected to recover from her wounds: "The shooting rampage Thursday was halted by a female civilian police officer who shot him, said Lt. Gen. Robert Cone, the top military commander on the base. Sgt. Kimberly Munley and her partner responded within three minutes of reported gunfire. She was in stable condition Friday and is expected to recover from wounds sustained in the gun battle."