Thursday, May 23, 2013

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Two Coast Guard Members Shot and Killed in Kodiak (UPDATED)
Killed at Coast Guard Communications Station Kodiak
By Brendan Joel Kelley
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In this photo, shooting victim Richard Belisle is second from left, Petty Officer 1st Class James Hopkins is third from left. Photo courtesy of the Coast Guard.

UPDATE: FBI spokesman Eric Gonzales confirms the deaths are a double homicide and multiple law enforcement agencies are looking for the shooter. No one is currently in custody. The Coast Guard confirms there is nothing to suggest a murder/suicide. The Coast Guard has identified the victims as Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class James Hopkins, an electronics technician, and Richard Belisle, a civilian employee and retired Coast Guard chief petty officer.

ALASKA - The Coast Guard reported two of its members at Coast Guard Communications Station Kodiak were shot and killed Thursday.

At the time, the base and local schools were on lockdown until the Guard could ensure the threat was contained.

"It is possible that the suspect remains at large," said commanding officer Captain Jesse Moore. They advised all Kodiak residents to "remain vigilant" and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

The victims names will not be released until next of kin are notified.

FBI agents were on their way to Kodiak to assist with the investigation.