Richard Michael Ridgell | Homicide Watch DC

Navy Yard Shooting: DoD Missed Warning Signs, Report Says

Chris Amico — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 19:11:40 -0400

Navy personnel and a government contractor missed key warning signs that might have prevented Aaron Alexis from killing 12 people in mass shooting at Washington Navy Yard last September, a report released Tuesday said. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel promised reforms.

"The reviews identified troubling gaps in DOD's ability to detect, prevent and respond to instances where someone working for us -– a government employee, a member of our military or a contractor –- decides to inflict harm on this institution and its people," Hagel said in a statement.

USA Today reports:

If the contractor for whom Alexis worked had told the government about his troubles, the report said, "Alexis' authorization to access secure facilities and information would have been revoked."

But Alexis' clearance was not revoked, and on Sept. 16, 2013, he entered Building 197 at the Navy Yard with a shotgun and killed 12 people before police shot and killed him. The report also found that security procedures were insufficient at the naval facility near downtown Washington.

A key finding of the report: Leaders of his employer, technology subcontractor The Experts, "decided not to inform the government of adverse information concerning Alexis' emotional, mental, or personality condition, even when they had concerns that Alexis may cause harm to others ..."

The full list of reforms is below:

DOD will implement a continuous evaluation program of personnel with access to DOD facilities or classified information, including DOD contractors and military and civilian personnel. “While individuals with security clearances undergo periodic reinvestigations,” the secretary said, “I am directing the department to establish automated reviews of cleared personnel that will continuously pull information from law enforcement and other relevant databases.” Hagel said this will help trigger an alert if derogatory information such as an arrest becomes available for someone holding a security clearance.

DOD will establish an Insider Threat Management and Analysis Center that quickly analyzes the results of the automated record checks, helps connect the dots, and determines whether follow-up action is needed. The center also will advise and support Department of Defense components to ensure appropriate action is taken on each case, Hagel noted.

DOD will centralize authority and accountability for physical and personal security under a single staff assistant located in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence. Today, the secretary said, these responsibilities are fractured among multiple DOD components. “This action will identify one person within DOD who is responsible for leading efforts to counter insider threats,” he said.

DOD will accelerate development of the Defense Manpower Data Center’s Identity Management Enterprise Services Architecture, called IMESA, allowing DOD security officers to share access control information and continuously vet individuals against U.S. government databases.

Along with these actions, Hagel said, the department will review how best to move forward on three more recommendations made by the Independent Review Panel:

Consider reducing the number of personnel holding Secret security clearances by at least 10 percent, a recommendation in line with October 2013 guidance from the director of national intelligence.

Consider reducing DOD’s reliance on background investigations conducted by the Office of Personnel Management and analyze the cost, efficiency and effectiveness of returning the clearance review process to DOD.

Consider developing more effective ways to screen recruits, further destigmatize treatment and ensure the quality of mental health care within DOD.

Navy Yard Shooting: Aaron Alexis Acted Alone, FBI says

Chris Amico — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 14:29:39 -0400

The FBI released new details today on the mass shooting that killed 12 people at Washington Navy Yard on Sept. 16, including video of the gunman, Aaron Alexis, who was fatally shot by police.

Alexis acted alone, the FBI said in a statement, possibly on "a delusional belief that he was being controlled or influenced by extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic waves."

The etching of "My ELF weapon!" on the left side of the receiver of the Remington 870 shotgun is believed to reference these electromagnetic waves. In addition, a document retrieved from his electronic media stated, "Ultra low frequency attack is what I've been subject to for the last 3 months, and to be perfectly honest that is what has driven me to this."

Surveillance video included in today's release shows Alexis moving through the hallways of Building 197, where the shooting happened, with that Remington 870 shotgun.

The FBI also provided the following timeline of the Navy Yard shooting:

7:53 a.m. - Alexis’ rental car, a blue Toyota Prius with New York plates, entered Parking Garage #28 at the Washington Navy Yard, located directly across from Building #197.
8:08 a.m. - Alexis exited Parking Garage #28 on foot carrying a backpack. Alexis entered Building #197 and proceeded to the elevator.
8:09 a.m. - Alexis exited the elevator on the fourth floor and entered the men’s bathroom carrying a backpack and a clipboard.
8:15 a.m. - Alexis crossed the hallway into the 4 West area of Building #197 with shotgun, but without the backpack or a clipboard.
8:16 a.m. - Alexis shot the first victim in the 4 West area of Building #197.
8:17 a.m. - First 911 call is received from the fourth floor of Building #197.
8:20 a.m. - Alexis left the fourth floor using the stairs and entered the third floor.
8:28 a.m. - Alexis appeared on the first floor.
8:57 a.m. - Alexis returned to the third floor.
9:25 a.m. - Law enforcement shoot and kill Alexis on the third floor.

Memorial Fund Seeks Donations To Help Ridgell Children

Megan Arellano — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 17:04:49 -0400

The family of one of the victims of last week's mass shooting at the Washington Navy Yard has established a fund to help the man's children with college and other expenses.

Richard "Mike" Ridgell, 52, was one of twelve people killed on Sep. 16.

Speaking with Homicide Watch DC, Ridgell's widow said her husband loved the military and loved his job working at Washington's Navy Yard as a security guard.

"He wished he served his country," said Tracey Ridgell. "We feel that he did."

Mike Ridgell is also remembered as a softball coach to his three daughters. For the past two years, Ridgell's team won the Westminster Jaycees Girls Softball league championship.

The family hopes that the Ridgell Children Memorial Fund will help manage college costs for Ridgell's daughters. Tracey Ridgell's sister, Lisa Picciotto, established the fund at PNC bank.

Ridgell's youngest daughter, 17-year-old Madison Ridgell, will be applying to college soon. Megan Ridgell, 19, currently attends Elizabethtown College, studying psychology and social work. Eldest daughter, Heather Ridgell Hunt, is paying back college loans, the girls' mother said.

She added that the fundraising could provide support for other life expenses as well.

“Who knows, maybe even weddings," Tracey Ridgell said, "Things that a father would typically help provide.”

Donations to the fund can be made at any PNC Bank branch location or by check mailed to:

Ridgell Children Memorial Fund
C/O PNC Bank
2325 Hanover Pike
Hampstead, MD 21074

For questions about how to donate at the various branch locations, contact the Hampstead branch at (410) 374-1325.

The Navy Yard Shooting: What We Know Now

Megan Arellano — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 18:19:20 -0400

It was the single largest loss of life in D.C. since 1982. Now, nearly three days after 13 people were killed at Washington's Navy Yard, including the alleged shooter, details are beginning to emerge about what may have brought the gunman there, what happened once he entered Building 197, and who the victims are.

The shooting brings the number of those killed in mass shootings this year to 40, according to the Huffington Post. But closer to home there is a different number in mind: 81. That's the number of people killed in DC this year, including Awele Olisemeka and Robert Spencer, each also killed this week.

In response to Monday's Navy Yard shooting, the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region announced in a press release that it will create two funds; one to help the injured and victims' families, one to address the long-term challenges of violence in the region.

A roundup of what we know so far about the Navy Yard shooting, and the identities of the victims, follows.

The alleged gunman, Aaron Alexis, was employed as a contractor at the Navy Yard. On Monday, starting at about 8:15 a.m., Alexis began firing at people on the fourth floor, the third floor and in the lobby of the building.

The Washington Post reports that Alexis was familiar with the building, though his path Monday morning was "indiscriminate."

By now, the police teams — joined by at least three naval security officers and U.S. Park Police — were moving in military fashion, stalking Alexis even as he stalked his victims on the fourth floor above Vandroff.

But the gunman had the advantage, familiar with the building’s layout and using the balcony wall for concealment as he fired the shotgun from the high ground into the atrium.

He was eventually shot and killed by law enforcement.

Before Monday's shooting, Alexis had twice previously fired a gun in anger, but faced little difficulty from background checks. He purchased his firearm legally. As a contractor, he was also permitted to be at the Navy Yard.

Reports the New York Times:

As an honorably discharged veteran, he cleared a basic hurdle to receive a Defense Department security pass. Despite his being investigated by police departments in Seattle and Fort Worth, for firing a gun in anger, no charges were filed that would have shown up in his F.B.I. fingerprint file. Despite mental health issues -- he twice went to Veterans Affairs hospitals last month seeking treatment for insomnia -- he was never committed and so was legally able in Virginia to buy the weapon the police said he used in the shootings.

The South Florida Business Journal reports that company which employed Alexis also conducted two background checks, separate from Alexis's government clearance:

The company said it "enlisted a service to perform two background checks and we confirmed twice through the Department of Defense his Secret government clearance."

According to the news release, the latest background check and security clearance confirmation were in late June of 2013 and revealed no issues other than one minor traffic violation.

As details emerge, we are also beginning to learn about those killed.

Michael Arnold, 59, was a retired naval officer with tremendous experience in ship design reported the Washington Post.

He was "an institution" who knew the Navy's America-class amphibious assault ships as well as anyone, said Capt. Mark Vandroff, a colleague, adding that Arnold was the Navy's go-to guy in negotiations over any purchase for America-class ships.

Martin Bodrog, 54, was a retired Navy Surface Warfare Officer who rooted for the Boston Bruins reported the Huffington Post.

Retired Navy Surface Warfare Officer Marty Bodrog was remembered Tuesday by his family as a "humble, loving father and neighbor," who would walk his dog around his quiet, leafy cul-de-sac wearing a Boston Bruins hockey jersey, rain or shine.

Arthur Daniels, was a handyman and loving family man to his wife and five children reported the Washington Post.

Arthur Daniels, 51, was the one who cooked Thanksgiving dinner every year for the entire family, including their five children and nine grandchildren. He spent weekends washing and polishing his white Crown Victoria, which was still at the Navy Yard.

Sylvia Frasier, 53, worked night-shifts at a Maryland Walmart not because she needed money, but because she liked being around people, an assistant manager told the Huffington Post.

When Frasier failed to show up for her Monday night shift, and her team learned hours later that she was among a dozen people slain in the Washington Navy Yard massacre, many of her colleagues were crushed. Some cashiers cried at their registers on Tuesday morning. Others teared up within seconds of talking to The Huffington Post about Frasier.

John Roger Johnson, 73, was preparing to celebrate his 74th birthday. Reports Reuters:

"Known for his infectious smile, he never said a bad thing about anyone. He would want us to forgive the shooter, because that's how he was - a forgiving person," his daughter said in an email. "He loved to work and has always worked. He loved the interaction with the people and wanted to keep on working."

Kathleen Gaarde, 63, loved animals and hockey, specifically, the Washington Capitals team, according to the Associated Press. Though he didn't speak to reporters, Gaarde's husband Douglass Gaarde gave them a written message:

"Today my life partner of 42 years (38 of them married) was taken from me, my grown son and daughter, and friends," he wrote. "We were just starting to plan our retirement activities and now none of that matters. It hasn't fully sunk in yet but I know I already dearly miss her."

Mary Knight, 51, worked as an information technology contractor for the military. Knight's mother, Lilly DeLorenzo, told ABC11 that Knight was enjoying her life.

"Everything was going her way. Her daughter had gotten married. She was very happy," said Lilly. "It's just unreal. You don't expect this. It's really hard, every-time the phone rings I am hoping it is her calling saying 'Hey! I am OK."

Frank Kohler, 50, spent a lot of time doing community service, despite his full-time job, reported the Washington Post.

The 50-year-old Kohler served as the president of the club in 2005, leading a campaign to donate a dictionary to every third-grader in St. Mary’s County. After serving his term, he earned the customary title of “King Oyster.” He received a crown and robe and helped lead the national oyster shucking competition.

told the Huffington Post.

Pandit had grown up in Mumbai on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Jain was sure that’s what sparked his friend’s interest in the sea. In his career with the U.S. Navy, Pandit’s “passion was trying to making things work better,” improve technologies and make equipment run more efficiently on board the vessels, Jain said. "Kisan loved the Navy."

Kenneth Proctor, 46, worked as a utilities operation foreman at Navy Yard and is survived by his two sons reported Reuters.

"I am always over-thinking and letting my thoughts evolve on events that have less impact on my goals than what's really necessary," Proctor wrote on Facebook recently. "I know now to eliminate all that really don't exist in reality and bring forth what will allow me to be me. GOD!"

Gerald Read, 58, helped his wife take care of rescue dogs, even though it was really Mrs. Read's passion reported the New York Times.

Neighbors in Alexandria, Va., often saw Mr. Read out walking the rescue dogs that his wife took in or feeding birds and squirrels in front of his cream-colored split-level home. Mr. Read loved the dogs, along with his carefully tended garden and, of course, his family. He and his wife, Kathy, have a grown daughter, Jessica, and three granddaughters, whom they treated to a backyard cookout on Labor Day.

Richard Michael Ridgell, 52, worked as a security officer at Navy Yard, but was remembered as a softball coach by his daughters reported WBALTV.

"Dad was really good at taking every opportunity to let us know that he loved us," said Heather Hunt at a vigil for her father Tuesday evening at a softball field where he would coach the Westminster Jaycees girls' softball team. The team reunited on the field for a remembrance ceremony to honor the man who lived to serve his community and whose death is now part of a national tragedy.

If we missed a story or information that you feel should be included in this report please contribute in the comments field below.

The Day After the Navy Yard Shooting: Essential Reads

Chris Amico — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 10:35:38 -0400

Here is what we know:

Yesterday, a lone shooter opened fire in Washington Navy Yard's Building 197, killing twelve people. We know eight of their names, and we expect to learn the remaining identities today. The alleged gunman, Aaron Alexis, was killed by police at the scene.

We are gathering everything we know about the victims, the shooter and what happens next. Our reading list is below, and we'll add to it throughout the day.

If you find other stories and commentary that add light to yesterday's tragedy, please leave links in the comments.

Victims in Navy Yard Shooting: Michael Arnold, Martin Bodrog, Arthur Daniels, Sylvia Frasier, Kathy Gaarde, John Roger Johnson, Mary Francis Knight, Frank Kohler, Kenneth Bernard Proctor, Vishnu Pandit, Gerald L. Read, Richard Michael Ridgell

Laura Amico — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 22:54:30 -0400

Update: 11:15 a.m.:
Four additional victims of Monday's shooting at the Washington Navy Yard have been identified.

They are:

***
Update: 8:44 a.m.: An eighth victim has been identified this morning:

51-year-old Arthur Daniels.

***
MPD is reporting the identities of seven of the 12 people killed at Washington Navy Yard Monday.

Those victims are:

Identities of the remaining five victims are being withheld pending notification of their next-of-kin, MPD said.

Update: 13 Dead in Navy Yard Shooting, Including Shooter

Laura Amico — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 10:18:08 -0400

UPDATE 10:15 p.m.
Mayor Vincent Gray provided details this evening on those killed at Navy Yard Monday, saying that the twelve victims are all between the ages of 46 and 73 years. At least one is confirmed to be a DC resident, MPD Chief Cathy Lanier said.

Seven families have been notified, Gray said.

The shooting shut down much of the area around the Navy Yard for about 14 hours. At about 10:15 p.m. Lanier said the shelter in place order had been lifted.

That order had been maintained while authorities sought a possible second shooter. Lanier said that that search had been based on "multiple witness accounts," but that investigative efforts were exhausted and the search suspended. She said the deceased gunman, Aaron Alexis, is now believed to have acted alone.

"We now feel comfortable we have the single and sole person responsible for the loss of life," she said.

In addition to the 12 shooting victims and the deceased shooter, Gray said that eight people were injured, three of whom were shot. Others suffered stress and fall injuries, chest pain, and other injuries. Gray said the wounded MPD officer, Scott Williams, was "doing well and in great spirits."

Williams is a veteran officer and works in the K-9 unit, Lanier said.

UPDATE 6:15 p.m.
The investigation into today's deadly shooting at the Navy Yard in Southeast DC will continue throughout the night, at least until the last person being sought is found or cleared of any responsibility.

That's according to DC Mayor Vincent Gray and MPD Chief Cathy Lanier, speaking at a press conference Monday evening, 10 hours after one or more gunman opened fire at the Naval Sea Systems Command Headquarters killing 12 people.

Those dead, other than gunman Aaron Alexis, have not been identified. Gray said authorities were still in the process of identifying them and that their families would be the first to be notified.

The area around the Navy Yard remains under lockdown with a shelter in place order, though Navy Yard employees have been able to exit the facility and meet with family at a staging area near Nationals' Park.

Lanier said that the MPD officer who was shot Monday morning, one of several people injured, is recovering. He has come out of surgery and is stable, she said.

Gray said there is "no motive" for the shooting "at this juncture."
***
UPDATE 4:30 p.m.

The FBI has identified the suspect in today's shooting as Aaron Alexis, 34, of Fort Worth, Texas. He died in a shootout with responding police officers.

There are now 13 people dead, including Alexis. So far, none of the other deceased have been named.

"It was one of the worst things we've ever seen," Police Chief Lanier said of scene inside Building 197. She confirmed that Alexis was killed by police: "There's no question he would have kept shooting."

Police are continuing to seek another man in connection with the shooting. He is described as a 5-foot-10 black man in his 50s. It is unclear whether he is a suspect.

Much of the area around Navy Yard remains under a shelter-in-place order. Another press conference is scheduled for 6 p.m.

***
UPDATE 2:10 p.m.:

Mayor Vincent Gray is confirming at least 12 fatalities in this incident.

Police Chief Cathy Lanier said the search for two potential suspects continues and that the FBI has now taken the lead on the investigation. Lanier said there were "multiple pieces of information" in regards to these two men. "We have reason to believe that they may be involved and we need to talk to them," she said.

The search could take several more hours, Lanier said.

Schools in the area continue to be on lock down.

Phone number updates:

Tips: 1800-call-fbi
NCIS family reunification line: 202-433-6151 and 202-433-9713

***
UPDATE 12:15 p.m.:
In a press conference this afternoon, DC Police Chief Cathy Lanier said the shooting situation at the Navy Yard is ongoing and that authorities are searching for two other possible shooters; one shooter was shot and killed earlier today.

Lanier described those being sought in the attack as wearing military-style uniforms, though there is no information that they are members of the military. She said one is described as a white male last seen at about 8:35 a.m. wearing a khaki tan military style uniform with short sleeves and a beret hat. He was carrying a handgun. The second is described as a black male, about 50 years old wearing an olive drab colored military style uniform and carrying a long gun.

Lanier said there are "multiple victims on scene that are deceased," but did not give an exact number of how many dead.

Reports have varied throughout the morning from four to eight. AP is reporting six are dead.

Four people who were injured have been removed from the scene, including one MPD officer, Lanier said.

The shooting was reported at about 8:15 this morning with a call for help to MPD for an active shooter situation at the Navy Yard. A number of law enforcement agencies are involved in the investigation including MPD, transit police, Department of Defense, Naval Criminal Intelligence, Park Police, US Marshals, and the FBI.

Further briefings are expected this afternoon.

The situation at the Navy Yard remains active.

Anyone with information, or who may have seen anyone matching the descriptions of the two men being sought, is asked to call MPD at 202-727-9099.

***
UPDATE NOON:
We're waiting for a press conference with MPD Chief Cathy Lanier, DC Mayor Vincent Gray, and others. Here's what we know so far:

Confirmed Details:

Latest on Washington Navy Yard shooting: - Navy: At least 6 were killed - A shooter is dead - Police seek possible 2nd shooter

— The Associated Press (@AP) September 16, 2013

Quick updates:

Families may reunite at Nationals Stadium Parking Lot B, South Capitol & N St SE.
Or call 202-433-6151 or 202-433-9713.
Hospitals that have confirmed that they have received patients are MedStar Washington Hospital Center and George Washington Hospital.
Schools on lockdown are St. Peter School, Watkins Elementary, Payne Elementary, Amidon-Bowen Elementary, Eliot-Hine Middle, Tyler Elementary, Eastern High School, Brent Elementary, Jefferson Academy, Van Ness admin building, Eagle Academy PCS, Richard Wright PCS for Journalism and Media Arts, Cesar Chavez PCS for Public Policy – Capitol Hill, and Friendship Chamberlain Elementary and Middle PCS

***

A shooting was reported at the Navy Yard in Southeast DC at about 8:20 Monday morning. As of 10:15 a.m. the situation was ongoing and the shooter was not known to be in custody.

BREAKING: Defense official says several killed and as many as 10 wounded in Navy Yard shooting.

— The Associated Press (@AP) September 16, 2013

NBC News reported at 10:10 a.m. that a senior Navy official said that 12 people had been shot and four were killed.

Watch NBC Washington's live feed here.

Those near the Navy Yard were asked to shelter in place and others in the area were asked to stay away from the area.

More information, resources, links and photos from the scene are after the jump.