The cruel killings left a huge impact on the community. Thirty one people were wounded by the gunman Major Nidal Malik Hasan. Major Hasan was taken into custody after a gunfire exchange with two civilian police officers.
"Most of our clientele are soldiers, so this affects everyone in the community," said James Carpenter, 34, a tattoo artist and a former soldier who had been stationed at Fort Hood in 2003. "Everyone is asking why and saying, 'I can't believe he did that.'"
The gruesome shooting
Hasan was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center on Friday while most of the victims remained in the ICU. He was hit four times including once in the torso.
He had started firing in the Soldier Readiness Processing Center. Fort Hood spokesman Col. John Rossi said that the attacker fired more than 100 rounds and that his weapons were "privately owned ... purchased locally."
Investigators were trying to fit all pieces together on how and why did Hasan gun down so many people.
President Obama called for patience while officials were collecting facts.
He said, “We cannot fully know what leads a man to do such a thing. But what we do know that our thoughts are with every one of the men and women who were injured at Fort Hood. Our thoughts are with all the families who’ve lost a loved one in this national tragedy.”
Prayers for peace
Hundreds attended candlelight vigil on Friday night after the killings. A moment of silence was held at U.S. military installations as a show of respect for the victims.
Thirteen flag draped coffins left from Fort Hood for Dover Air Force Base.
The memorial service was overwhelming; everyone wore black berets and bowed their heads in silence, offering prayers to the deceased.
"Remember to keep breathing. ... Keep going," said Douglas Carver, the Army Chief Chaplin. He offered encouragement and prayers to the victims and the dead.
The crowd sang "God Bless America" and "Amazing Grace" under the stadium lights, after which the place went dark, the only light from camera flashes and nearby buildings.
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