President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are expected to attend a memorial service Wednesday to honor the three soldiers killed in last week’s shooting at Fort Hood.
Obama visited Fort Hood in November 2009 under similar circumstances following the shooting by Maj. Nidal Hasan that left 13 dead and 32 wounded. Hasan was convicted in August 2012 of those killings and was sentenced to death.
The Obamas were already planning to travel to Texas this week. On Thursday, the President will speak at the LBJ Presidential Library’s Civil Rights Summit to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act.
The three soldiers killed during the April 2 shooting were Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Michael Ferguson, 39, from Mulberry, Florida; Staff Sgt. Carlos A. Lazaney-Rodriguez, 38, from Puerto Rico; and Sgt. Timothy Wayne Owens, 37, from Effingham, Illinois.
On Friday, Fort Hood commander Lt. Gen. Mark Milley said it is likely an "escalating argument" led the shooter, Spc. Ivan Lopez, to open fire. Lopez killed the three men listed above, wounded 16 people and took his own life.
Lopez was being treated for depression and anxiety. He was also in the process of being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Army post officials have set up a behavioral health hotline for anyone who would like help in dealing with the shooting. The number is (254) 535-2748.
More information on the shooting may be available today after a press conference at Fort Hood at 3 p.m.
