Casey: Fort Hood attack 'kick in the gut'

FORT HOOD, Texas, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. military bases worldwide went silent Friday to honor the victims of a bloody shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas, a day earlier.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates directed the observance at the Defense Department for the 13 people who died and the 30 others who were injured in Thursday's attack, the Pentagon said.

"These are soldiers who were preparing to do what they love for the country that they love," Army Secretary John McHugh said during a news conference at the base. "The Army family is strong. A great source of that strength is what we derive from each other."

"It's a kick in the gut," Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey said.

Authorities said alleged gunman Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, 39, an Army psychiatrist at Darnall Army Medical Center, opened fire at the base's military processing center Thursday. Hasan was shot four times by a civilian police officer and remained hospitalized on a ventilator, the military said.

Flags at the White House and all federal buildings will fly at half-staff until Veterans Day to honor the Fort Hood victims, U.S. President Barack Obama said Friday.

"This is a modest tribute to those who lost their lives even as many were preparing to risk their lives for their country," Obama said. "And it's also a recognition of the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our safety and uphold our values."

The Pentagon will provide "every necessary resource to ensure those in need have what they need, McHugh said.

Casey said stories he's heard about the response to the shooting made him proud to wear the uniform. He said medics participating in a graduation next door rushed to the shooting scene "in their caps and gowns" to render aid, and related how another man hauled four wounded people in his pickup truck to the hospital.

"I am very proud," Casey said. "We take care of our own. We will grieve as a family. And we will remain focused on our mission."

McHugh also offered his thanks and admiration to first responders and "those who use their battlefield life-saving training in the building as the situation was unfolding to save lives."

"This is the time for the Army family stands together," McHugh said. "This is a time when Army strong means what it say."