Suspected Fort Lewis gunman dies hours after victim
FORT LEWIS, Wash. -- The retired U.S. soldier accused of opening fire on a female vendor before turning the gun on himself during the packed lunch rush at Fort Lewis' Post Exchange on Wednesday morning has died.
Army officials said the 59-year-old Lakewood man died at Madigan Army Medical Center shortly before 4 p.m.
Army spokesman Maj. Mike Garcia said it was not immediately clear what prompted the man to fatally wound the woman before shooting himself around 11:20 a.m. Both were taken to nearby Madigan Army Medical Center, where the woman died several hours before the alleged shooter.
People who were nearby when the shooting happened told KOMO News that they heard six or seven gun shots, but officials did not give any specifics about the shooting.
The shooting suspect's name has not been released. The woman was a civilian vendor at the Post Exchange, and her name is being withheld pending notification of family.
Military police have closed off the area around the PX for an investigation. The exchange is expected to remain closed through Wednesday.
The FBI will be investigating the shooting in conjunction with the Army.
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Army officials said the 59-year-old Lakewood man died at Madigan Army Medical Center shortly before 4 p.m.
Army spokesman Maj. Mike Garcia said it was not immediately clear what prompted the man to fatally wound the woman before shooting himself around 11:20 a.m. Both were taken to nearby Madigan Army Medical Center, where the woman died several hours before the alleged shooter.
People who were nearby when the shooting happened told KOMO News that they heard six or seven gun shots, but officials did not give any specifics about the shooting.
The shooting suspect's name has not been released. The woman was a civilian vendor at the Post Exchange, and her name is being withheld pending notification of family.
Military police have closed off the area around the PX for an investigation. The exchange is expected to remain closed through Wednesday.
The FBI will be investigating the shooting in conjunction with the Army.
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Have photos or video? Upload them now or e-mail tips@komo4news.com