Sgt John M. Russell Picture : Baghdad Soldier Shooting Suspect Named by US Military

Picture: Sgt John Russell

A US soldier who allegedly shot and killed 5 fellow Americans has been named as Sergent John M. Russell from the 54th Engineering Battalion, based in Germany.

Sgt. John M Russell killed five people when he fired on other troops at a stress clinic at Camp Liberty, near Baghdad International Airport, U.S. officials said.

Along with five counts of murder, Russell also was charged with one count of aggravated assault, said Maj. Gen. David Perkins, who briefed reporters in Baghdad.



Two of the slain service members were officers who worked at the combat stress clinic at Camp Liberty. One was a Navy officer and the other was in the Army. The three other victims were enlisted soldiers.

Reports said that Sgt John Russell 's commanders' in recent days had asked him to seek counseling. Out of concern for his safety, Sgt John M. Russell had his weapon taken away, a rare meausre in the US miltiary.
That measure is typically taken when soldiers exhibit violent or suicidal behavior., it was reported.

It is unclear where John M. Russell got the weapon used in the shooting and it was not clear what type of weapon was by Sgt John M Russell used.

The 5th Engineers, Sgt John M. Russell's battalion, is attached to the division that works mainly in southern Iraq. Most Soldiers in engineer battalions fix roads, screen routes for roadside bombs and build military facilities.
It was not known immedatley Sgt John M Russells age and home town, its belived John M Russell was on his 3rd tour of Iraq.

Currently military investigations units are trying to determine the motive behind John M Russell's violent actions and whether he knew any of the Iraq shooting victims.


Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and President Obama vowed to conduct a thorough investigation.

"I would like to express my horror and deep regret for today's shooting incident," Gates said at a briefing at the Pentagon. "Such a tragic loss of life at the hands of our own forces is a cause for great and urgent concern."

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