The FBI took over the investigation and identified the gunman as 34-year-old
Aaron Alexis
, a former Navy reservist and civilian contractor from Fort Worth, Texas, reports
NBC News
.
During the chaotic scene, the gunman shot a responding
Metropolitan (D.C.) Police
officer. The D.C. Metro officer, who was shot twice in the leg,
underwent surgery
at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, reports the
Washington Post
.
Metro (D.C.) Police SWAT officers responded to the scene and coordinated with other agencies to secure the scene, Officer Kristopher Baumann told PoliceMag.com.
"Our tactical teams risked their lives in order to save the civilians trapped on the grounds," said Baumann, a past president of FOP Lodge 1. "The Navy Yard is a large complex with a variety of buildings and exit points. The Metropolitan Police Department and other agencies did an extraordinary job in securing the perimeter, moving traffic and civilians out of harm's way, and containing the situation."
The U.S. Navy said three shots were fired around 8:20 p.m. at Building 197 where about 3,000 people work.