Gunman fires on soldiers

He kills one, injures one at LR center

By Jacob Quinn Sanders

Photo by Jeff Mitchell

A soldier talks on his cell phone in front of the military recruiting office in west Little Rock after a gunman shot two soldiers outside the office Monday, killing one.

ADVERSTISMENT

A Tennessee man who converted to Islam and opposes American military actions overseas is charged with shooting two United States Army privates outside a west Little Rock recruiting center, killing one and seriously wounding the other Monday morning, police said.

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This article was published June 2, 2009 at 5:38 a.m.

Front Section, Pages 1, 6 on 06/02/2009

Comments

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williamsdewey_sbcglobal-net says...

This should be prosecuted as a hate crime. We can not allow this behavior in our country.

June 2, 2009 at 7:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

NLRhilldweller says...

Why no big national coverage of this event..the death of American soldiers on home soil exactly one week after Memorial Day. Determined to be not what they want to hear or people to know about???

June 2, 2009 at 7:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

FairAndBalanced says...

On Sunday an abortion doctor was shot and killed. On Sunday our president issued a heartfelt statement of sorrow, and Attorney General Holder announced "The Department of Justice will work to bring the perpetrator of this crime to justice." Monday, in Little Rock one young solder was shot and killed, another wounded while standing in front of a recruiting center by a Muslim extremist with "political and religious motives." As of Tuesday morning, no comment from Obama or Attorney General Holder, but an FBI spokesman said "Based on what we find, we will determine whether there is any federal jurisdiction to prosecute." Where is the Department of Justice?

June 2, 2009 at 8:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

rekim55_sbcglobal-net says...

It is a "travesty" for such crimes to take place on our home soil in the name of religion. God help us all.

June 2, 2009 at 9:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jearlc_aol.com_ says...

Hello People, Is this not yet ANOTHER HATE CRIME !!!!! Being a in the military had nothing to do with anything!!

June 2, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

dpierce1226_aim.com says...

i believe being in the military had everything to do with it, a recruiting center was targeted, it doesnt get any more blatant than that

June 2, 2009 at 10:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ConwayArmyFamily says...

I am concerned who converted him to Islam, what group is he affiliated with, are there others of like mind part of the same group. Keep in mind that he moved here from Tennessee (according to the reports), that being the case, I appreciate the quote from the former President of the Islamic Center of Little Rock pertaining to the integration of the Muslims in Arkansas with their fellow residents having gone well. The stated reason for the shooting makes no sense; these Soldiers had not even been to their first duty station yet, but are fresh out of basic training. Is this how the extremists are going to bring THEIR Jihad to America?

June 2, 2009 at 12:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

roydspann_aol-com says...

I am an American Soldier. My son serves in the Navy as well. I have served in the middle east and I don't care what the Muslim officials say openly, the Muslim religon is against the United States and what our great nation stands for. I haven't trusted a muslim since I have served in war and i sure as hell don't trust them at home. Tell me how a low life live like Abdul-Hakim Mujahid Muhammad or Bledsoe (whatever he calls himself) can leave the United States, go to Somalia and return. I say if these so called converts don't like our government then get the hell out of the United States and fight us on the battle ground instead of some drive by and shooting an unarmed soldier. This guy is really bad isn't he. I hope some muslim or so called convert comes calling on me....I have a little surprise for them.....

June 2, 2009 at 12:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

jearlc_aol.com_ says...

That's what im talking about roydspann. TO ConwayFamily, it's not what they were it's who they were....

June 2, 2009 at 12:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

ConwayArmyFamily says...

I am an Army Vet with a daughter on her second tour in Iraq right now and agree with you as well roydspann. While, I do not know first hand the "reality" between what they (the Muslims) say vs. what they are, I have heard these same sentiments from other's who like you have served their time in the Middle East. Were it my child that was gunned down unarmed and at home, I would have my own Holy War. I agree, like our Country or get out.
Thank you for your service roydspann!

June 2, 2009 at 1:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sandra-wallace_att.net says...

I AM A MOTHER OF A 20 YEAR OLD MARINE, WHO JOINED WHEN HE WAS 17 AND GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL. HE HAS SERVED ONE TOUR IN IRAQ AND IS SCHEDUALED TO GO TO AFGAHISTAN SOMETIME THIS YEAR. HE ALSO WAS A MARINE RECUITER ASSISTANCE. IT ISN'T ENOUGH THAT WE HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT OUR CHILDREN IN A COUNTRY ACROSS THE WORLD AND PRAY THAT THEY COME HOME SAFE AND SOUND NOW WE HAVE TO PRAY THAT THEY ARE SAFE AND SOUND HERE IN OUR COUNTRY. MY HEARTFELF PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY'S OF THESE TWO BRAVE YOUNG SOLDIERS AND OTHERS ACROSS THESE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. WE HOPE AND PRAY THAT THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN.

June 2, 2009 at 1:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

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