Fort Hood Shooting Revives Debate Over Security, Guns on Bases
In the wake of a second fatal shooting at Fort Hood, the issue of guns and security on military bases was once again up for debate on the Sunday morning talk shows.
"I think we need to review the security procedures," Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen said on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday.
As more troops return home, Mullen said, the military will have to find a way to deal with an increase in soldiers' challenges with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.
Ivan Lopez, an enlisted soldier, opened fire at Fort Hood Wednesday, killing three and wounding 16 before turning the gun on himself. Lopez was being treated for anxiety and depression and evaluated for possible post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as "self-reported" severe head trauma.
Mullen said that he thinks the best way to assure safer bases is to focus on the mental health of soldiers returning from war.
"I'm not one, as someone who's been on many, many bases and posts, that would argue for arming anybody that's on base."
But Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said on “Fox News Sunday” that — if more armed personnel could lead to safer bases — he would be in support of officials carrying guns on U.S. military installations.
He added that "across-the-board cuts" would have negative effects on security and mental health services, Kaine added.
“We do need to acknowledge that our military after 13 years of war — that’s a stress,” Kaine said. “I think we've stressed them further with things like sequesters and budgetary moves that have deprived them of the certainty that they need."
— Elisha Fieldstadt
JOE RAEDLE / GETTY IMAGES
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