Alleged Shooter's Relatives "Mortified"

Alleged Shooter's Relatives "Mortified"
November 09, 2009 08:31 AM

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (WUSA) -- The relatives of the alleged shooter release a second statement.

The written statement comes again from Nader Hasan. The alleged shooter's cousin. He writes:

"Our family is filled with grief for the victims and their families involved in yesterday's tragedy. We are mortified with what has unfolded and there is no justification, whatsoever, for what happened. We are all asking why this happened- and the answer is that we simply do not know. We can not explain, nor do we excuse what happened yesterday.Yesterday's violence in no way reflects the feelings, beliefs, or principles of our family. We have spoken with the FBI, answered all of their questions, provided them with all the information we have. We will continue to provide information and cooperate with law enforcement until this is resolved and explained to all of us. We are humbled by the overwhelming support from friends and colleagues who know our family, know our values, know our commitment to our community, and know our love for America."

Akhdar Khan says, "What happened to him, he use to be quiet, smile and talk what happened?"

The community where 39-year-old Nidal Malik Hasan spent in peace and prayer at the Muslim Community Center in Silver Spring, MD. are asking the same questions.

Ezeddine Benyedder met Hasan at the mosque. He says,"I was shocked, tears come to my eyes, I was speechless."

Looking into Hasan's military career could shed some light into the emotional toll it may have taken.

The army psychiatrist sought counseling himself during his six years working at Walter Reed as a counselor for soldiers returning from war. He treated soldiers who endured horrific trauma until he transferred to Fort Hood in July. Those stories of pain and suffering may have fueled his fear of going into battle.

Hasan's relatives say he had been harassed for being Muslim after the September 9-11 attacks.

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