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Last updated on Tuesday, September 17, 2013
(WASHINGTON, DC) - Washington, DC Police say thirteen people have died in a shooting and another sixteen were injured at the Washington Navy Yard.
Police Chief Cathy Lanier spoke at a news conference Monday afternoon and confirmed the number of deaths.
The shooter was identified as civilian contractor Aaron Alexis, 34, according to NBC News which cited officials.
Alexis is from Fort Worth, Texas. It's believed he stole an employee ID to gain entry into the building.
A Defense Department official and a federal law enforcement official have said a shooter had died, though it was not immediately clear how.
Police say two additional shooters could be at large after the rampage. Those suspects were described as wearing military-style uniforms, both in their forties or fifties. One was described as a white male and another was described as a black male.
As many as ten were wounded. Among those wounded are two law enforcement officers.
The shooting took place around 8:20 am. At around 11:40 am, the Associated Press reported that the shooter was dead. NBC News confirmed that report.
There were conflicting reports of a possible second shooter, but at this time it's believed that one heavily armed man in his fifties entered a building and began shooting. That man is now dead. Reports of a second shooter could not be confirmed.
A spokesperson for the Medstar Hospital in Washington, DC said they were treating three gunshot victims, including a male DC police officer and two women. All three were in critical condition but were able to speak to medics. One had gunshot wounds to the legs; another was shot in the head and hand and another was shot in the shoulder.
While their injuries are severe, the hospital spokesperson said they all have strong chances of survival.
The hospital spokesperson said more victims are expected.
Reagan International Airport was placed on a ground stop during the incident, but as of 11:00 am flights were operating again.
Police and emergency crews gathered Monday morning outside the Naval Sea Systems Command Headquarters building, where the shooting was reported.
The Navy says several shots were fired and that about 3,000 people work in the building. People inside the building have been directed to stay in place.
Naval Sea Systems Command is the largest of the Navy's five system commands and accounts for a quarter of the Navy's entire budget.
It builds, buys and maintains the Navy's ships and submarines and their combat systems.
Police from multiple local and federal agencies were responding along with SWAT crews.
Seven DC-area schools were on lockdown.
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