Three airmen from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base were injured while evacuating the area during the Dayton, Ohio, shooting event early Sunday morning and were treated for minor injuries, according to the base commander.
"At this time, we have identified three Wright-Patt active-duty airmen who were in the area," Col. Thomas Sherman, 88th Air Base Wing and base installation commander, said in a statement provided to Military.com. "They were not directly injured in the shooting; however, they were treated for minor injuries sustained during the mass evacuation of the area.
"While we are profoundly grateful that none of our fellow airmen were seriously injured, the base and the entire community are heartbroken over this senseless taking of life," he added. "This community came together after the recent tornadoes, and we will rise above once again. The entire Wright-Patt family will keep all in our thoughts and prayers as this community comes together to heal."
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The gunman, identified as Connor Betts, 24, opened fire just as bars were closing in the city's Oregon District. Nine people were killed; 27 were injured.
Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley told multiple news agencies that Betts used a .223-caliber high-capacity rifle.
The shooting followed another just hours earlier at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas. Twenty people were killed in that incident, and at least 26 others were wounded.
"Hate has no place in America," President Donald Trump said Monday morning in brief remarks at the White House. "Hatred warps the mind, ravages the heart and devours the soul."
Earlier Monday, the president said via Twitter that lawmakers should pursue tougher legislation on expanded background checks.
"We cannot let those killed in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, die in vain," he tweeted. "Likewise for those so seriously wounded. We can never forget them, and those many who came before them. Republicans and Democrats must come together and get strong background checks, perhaps marrying this legislation with desperately needed immigration reform.
"We must have something good, if not GREAT, come out of these two tragic events!" Trump said.
-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
