A devastating workplace shooting has rocked a key US Navy shipyard in Mississippi, leaving one worker dead and another fighting for injuries.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday morning at the Austal USA shipbuilding facility in Pascagoula, a crucial contractor for the United States Navy. Local law enforcement confirmed the grim details to press agencies.
Chaos on the Industrial Estate
According to Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell, the violence began when a 51-year-old man, employed as a grinder at the shipyard, allegedly opened fire on his colleagues. The attack sent panic through the vast industrial estate, prompting a massive emergency response.
One victim, a 52-year-old male co-worker, was pronounced dead at the scene. A second man was rushed to a nearby medical centre with serious injuries. His current condition remains undisclosed.
Gunman Found Deceased
Authorities launched an immediate manhunt for the suspected shooter. The search concluded tragically when deputies discovered his body inside a vehicle on the grounds of the shipyard. Investigators confirmed his death appeared to be the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Sheriff Ezell's statement noted, "The suspect is a 51-year-old male who worked as a grinder at the shipyard. The victims are also employees." While the exact motive remains under investigation, early reports suggest the shooting was not a random act.
A Site of National Importance
The shooting occurred at a facility of significant strategic importance. Austal USA is a major defence contractor, specialising in designing and building ships for the US Navy, including the Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship and the Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transport.
This tragic event casts a shadow over the Pascagoula community and highlights ongoing concerns about workplace safety and violence across the Atlantic. An investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department is ongoing.
