Fort Hood Commander: 12 Killed in Shooting Spree

WASHINGTON (AFP)--President Barack Obama called the shooting attack that killed 12 people Thursday at the Army's Fort Hood in Texas a "horrific outburst of violence."

Speaking in Washington, Obama said details of the incident were still unclear.

"What we do know is that a number of American soldiers have been killed. And even more have been wounded in a horrific outburst of violence," he said.

Among the 12 killed was a suspected gunman, said Lt. Gen. Robert Cone, commander of the fort. He said two other suspects were captured. In addition to those killed, another 31 people were wounded, Cone said.

Obama offered his "thoughts and prayers" to the families of the victims.

"These are men and women who have made the selfless and courageous decision to risk, and at times give, their lives to protect the rest of us on a daily basis," he said.

"It's difficult enough when we lose these brave Americans in battles overseas. It is horrifying that they should come under fire at an army base on American soil."

Obama said he had spoken to Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Admiral Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and would receive "a constant stream of updates."

Information about the perpetrators of the attack and their motives remained unclear. "We will make sure that we get answers to every single question about this horrible incident," Obama said.

-Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2900

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

11-05-09 1747ET