USA: NASA evacuates Johnson Space Center after reports that gunman was spotted and shots were fired
- 00:01:49
- ITN Source
USA: NASA evacuates Johnson Space Center after reports that gunman was spotted and shots were fired
Captain Dwane Ready from the Houston Police Department confirmed that an armed suspect was believed to be inside the NASA complex on Friday (April 20). "Shortly before 2 o'clock this afternoon, we received a call in the Houston Police Department regarding possible shots fired here in the NASA complex. Our patrol units arrived, they were met with security personnel at both NASA and the constable's office. They took some preliminary information, determined that a suspect was still possibly inside the building, they then made a call out to swat. Our swat team is now here, they have taken control of the inner perimeter and they are working with our other partners in the FBI. We have the constables out here as well as the fire department. But what we believe at this point is that we have one suspect, a white male, approximately 50 to 60 years old, with one weapon - that being a handgun. And I cannot confirm for you whether that's a revolver, or a semi-automatic, or what calibre at this time. But our swat team members are here, their negotiators are here. We don't not know if there is another person inside with the suspect and I cannot confirm whether or not we've established communication because we're still in the throes of that as I speak. Let me stop there and take whatever questions you have." The incident added to jitters across America after a student gunman killed 32 people at Virginia Tech university on Monday, in the worst shooting rampage in the nation's modern history. NASA said police were surrounding the building and employees in nearby buildings had been asked to stay in their offices.
ITN Source | April 21, 2007
