[sarex] A tragedy struck our NASA family today.

[Arthur Rowe]

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468

*Statement from Johnson Space Center Director Mike Coats*

A tragedy struck our NASA family today.

While we don’t yet understand all that’s happened, our hearts and 
prayers go out to the families and coworkers who lost their loved ones 
today and to the survivor who endured a tragic ordeal.

Violence of this kind is always difficult to understand. In the days to 
come, you may find yourself experiencing a variety of physical or 
emotional reactions. If you’d like to talk with someone, there are 
resources to help you. Please call the Employee Assistance Program at 
ext. 36130.

As we learn more about this event and its causes, we’ll share that 
information as we can. In the meantime, please take this time to care 
for yourself and the people around you.

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*Details of Shooting Incident at Johnson Space Center*

Friday evening, JSC Director Mike Coats and Houston Police held a joint 
press conference, where the names of the victim and the alleged gunman 
were announced .

The male victim was determined to be David Beverly, a NASA civil 
servant. Co-worker Fran Crenshaw, an employee of MRI, was the female 
hostage.

The alleged gunman was Bill Phillips, a Jacobs Sverdrup contractor 
employee with NASA for 12-13 years.

Initially, police responded to a report of a person with a weapon at 
JSC's Building 44 at about 2:40 p.m. EDT. At an earlier briefing, a 
police spokesman said they were never able to establish communication 
with the gunman.

Counselors available for all Johnson employees who need assistance.

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin is on the way to the center.

+ NASA Family Assistance Fund 
<http://www.nasa.gov/about/highlights/AN_FAF.html>