<p>Of course it’s too early to know for sure, but some reports say that the shooters wore fatigues or assault gear. That makes it sound like it might be an Aurora theater type of attack (random victims?) rather than political terrorism. Still awful nevertheless.</p>
<p>Can anyone familiar with military bases explain how someone who isn’t supposed to be there could get in? (Not saying that the shooter is or isn’t someone who works there)</p>
<p>It seems like the guard was shot and killed but I can’t imagine that that was the only blockade to getting in.</p>
<p>Actually… is this even a base? I don’t know how the Navy works so I don’t know what a “Navy yard” is.</p>
<p>Ongoing search of at least two buildings just to be certain there are no additional shooters.</p>
<p>Pardon my spelling.</p>
<p>romani, I wondered the same thing, and have never heard the term “navy yard” before.</p>
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<p>Until about two weeks ago, I was in the same shoes as you. To make it worse, we live within a half hour of what is now, the only naval boot camp in the country, and I had no idea how things work there, despite having lived here for almost 25 years! Labor Day weekend I got an email from a grade school/high school friend whose son is finishing up school there; he had gone home (Texas) for the weekend, and was coming back to the base on Monday night, but needed a ride from the airport to the base (cabs were prohibitively expensive).</p>
<p>So I picked him up from the airport, and plugged in the address to my GPS (he doesn’t know the area as he’s only been here for a little over two months). We thought I might have to drop him off at the front gate, and he’d have to walk back to his barracks, which was well over a mile. But when we got to the front gate, they only asked me for an ID, so I showed them my drivers license. The guard looked at it and gestured for me to enter the base, so I did. I was actually kind of flabbergasted at how easy it was. </p>
<p>My friend’s son was then able to direct me back to his barracks. I didn’t pay much attention to all the turns I was taking because I counted on my GPS to get me out of there, and then home. But after I dropped him off, my GPS had me exiting the facility through an exit that no longer existed! So I ended up winding my way around (never realized how HUGE this facility was - they have their own McDonalds, gas station, restaurant, etc.) and eventually found my way back to the entrance I’d come in. One of the first things I thought to myself was, I could have roamed around back there for who knows how long and no one would have said anything. I did think it was kind odd! So yea, all I needed to show was my ID (although, in thinking about this, they did ask to see my friend’s son’s ID, too).</p>
<p>It’s a former shipyard and now an administrative center for the navy.</p>
<p>If anyone watches the show NCIS, the NCIS headquarters is located in the Washington Navy Yard in Washington DC. You will often see pictures and scenes of the NY on the show. </p>
<p>I hate days like this. I’m working blocks from the WH.</p>
<p>The gate rules have changed over the years, and probably vary from base to base. Back in the 80’s when we wanted a tour of a ship, when we were not an active duty family, civilians entering that particular base had to show identification and sign in at a guard house, and register their car.</p>
<p>In the 90’s (now active duty) access to bases was generally pretty relaxed.</p>
<p>After 911, even with a military ID, your car needed Military stickers, and everyone in the car had to show ID. An unregistered (with the military) vehicle would be searched, even if the driver had a military ID.</p>
<p>Lately, driving onto local bases has been more relaxed. Only the driver has had to show her Military ID, and cars no longer need to have registration stickers.</p>
<p>It has always been possible for civilians to drive onto most military bases. Delivery trucks, moving vans, construction workers, civilian workers in many offices, friends of people who live on base… All have been able to drive onto most bases.</p>
<p>And except for the first few years after 911 cars, while subject to searches, are rarely searched.</p>
<p>One name was given by a few news sources as the name of the dead gunman. Our local news is saying that that is not the name of the dead gunman. That name was from an ID that was found near the dead gunman. The police are now questioning the person the ID belongs to.</p>
<p>Dead gunman was a black male in his 50’s carrying a shotgun, an AR-15 style assault weapon, and a hand gun.</p>
<p>It is a tourist attraction for those inclined. </p>
<p>[Washington</a> Navy Yard](<a href=“http://dc.about.com/od/washingtondcmuseums/a/WashNavyYard.htm]Washington”>http://dc.about.com/od/washingtondcmuseums/a/WashNavyYard.htm)</p>
<p>I have been there twice - once with my family a decade ago. My boys loved all the military history, while my girl pouted about how bored she was.</p>
<p>Just checked on a cousin’s FB page as he works close by. He confirmed he’s ok.</p>
<p>Seven people confirmed dead.</p>
<p>Listening to Washington area radio online stream. Two other men seen armed but have thus far eluded the police.</p>
<p>My brother works on the floor where the people were shot. Thank goodness he was home today, but he’s still waiting to hear about his co-workers.</p>
<p>[Washington</a> Post: Breaking News, World, US, DC News & Analysis](<a href=“http://www.washingtonpost.com/]Washington”>http://www.washingtonpost.com/)</p>
<p>Death toll is now 12. :(</p>
<p>Just saw an interview with a Naval commander whom was OUTSIDE the building when the shots began, and a fellow whom he was next to outside was killed. That supports speculation that there was more than one shooter.</p>
<p>CC, so thankful your family is ok. My best wishes to your brother.</p>
<p>Still an extensive search for two additional suspects. </p>
<p>One white male in a tan naval style uniform, one African American male in an olive military style uniform.</p>
<p>How can the DC Police Chief say that the area is now safe when police are still looking for suspects and they are telling area residents and workers to stay indoors?</p>