A Marine shot and killed a male and female Marine before turning a gun on himself late Thursday at the Marine Corps Base at Quantico, Va., officials said Friday.
All three were staffers at the Officer Candidate School, the first of a series of training schools for new Marine officers, officials said.
The shooting occurred about 11 p.m. Base police and the Prince William County police responded after receiving a 911 call about the shooting.
The shooter was pronounced dead by law enforcement at the scene, as well as the two victims. Their identities are being withheld until next of kin are notified.
The incident is under investigation, according to a Marine Corps statement.
Thursday’s shooting came after seven Marines were killed earlier this week during a training exercise in western Nevada when ammunition exploded inside the tube of a 60 mm mortar.
SEE ALSO: Marine shooter identified in Quantico killings
Pentagon Press Secretary George Little issued a statement: “Early this morning, the Secretary was saddened to learn of the shootings at Marine Corps Base Quantico. This tragedy, as well as the tragedy in Nevada earlier this week, took the lives of Marines who volunteered to serve their nation. His heart and his prayers are with them and their families. He believes that the legendary strength of the United States Marine Corps will ensure that they are forever remembered.”
• Kristina Wong can be reached at kwong@washingtontimes.com.
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