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Immediate Release

Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter

"It is with a heavy heart that I learned of today's tragic events in Chattanooga. My thoughts and prayers - along with those of the men and women of the Department of Defense - are with the families of those killed in this senseless act of violence and with all those touched by this tragedy, including our Navy and Marine Corps family. I am grateful to local law enforcement for their swift response. The department will continue to work with local law enforcement as they investigate this heinous crime and will support our military families in their time of grief."