Fort Hood Shooting: Defense Secretary Statement

MYFOXNY.COM - Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is being kept up to date about the shooting rampage at Fort Hood in Texas. An Army doctor appears to have opened fire on soldiers, killing 11, according to military officials.

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic events today at Fort Hood," Secretary Gates said in a statement. "My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen, the wounded, and all those touched by this incident. There is little we can say at this point to alleviate the pain or answer the many questions this event raises, but I can pledge that the Department of Defense will do everything in its power to help the Fort Hood community get through these difficult times."

Meantime, Secretary of the Army John McHugh has also issued a statement about the violence.

"This is a terrible tragedy that we will know more about in the coming days. For now our focus is squarely on taking care of our soldiers and their families," said Secretary McHugh. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have been killed and wounded. The leadership at Fort Hood is marshalling the medical support and counselors necessary to take care of our soldiers and their families and to notify the next of kin."