CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. | The latest on the Chattanooga shootings at two military facilities (all times local):
1 p.m.
An American Muslim blogger who calls himself HijabMan says he condemns the shooting rampage in Tennessee.
The gunman used a quote from the blogger in his high school yearbook, saying: “My name causes national security alerts. What does yours do?”
The blogger, Javed “HijabMan” Memon, told The Associated Press that he wishes the gunman hadn’t quoted him “just as I’m sure Ford wishes OJ (Simpson) hadn’t driven a Bronco and Kraft wishes Jim Jones hadn’t poisoned the Kool Aid. Obviously, none of these products made them do it or endorsed their actions, just as I do not endorse this heinous act.”
Memon said he tries to combat Islamophobia, promote tolerance and use humor to defuse tensions.
“This man’s actions, and his use of my material, go against everything I am trying to accomplish,” he said.
11:10 a.m.
Hundreds of people have gathered outside a military recruiting office where a shooting rampage began four days ago.
A makeshift memorial of American flags and balloons is growing. Many people carried American flags and some had Confederate battle flags outside the military recruiting office Monday. The windows, several of which were pocked with bullet holes after the shooting, have been covered with plywood.
About seven miles away, yellow police tape still blocked access to the Marine-Navy facility where the killings happened. Law enforcement vehicles were parked nearby with lights flashing.
Authorities say a 24-year-old Kuwait-born man attacked the two facilities, killing four Marines and a sailor. Authorities have not released a motive.