Hagel, Dempsey honor 12 killed at Washington Navy Yard

By Jim GaramoneSeptember 18, 2013

WASHINGTON (Sept. 18, 2013) -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and Joint Chiefs Chairman Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey Tuesday joined other defense leaders to place a wreath at the Navy Memorial here in honor of the 12 employees killed at the Washington Navy Yard Monday.

In a short, somber ceremony, Hagel and Dempsey placed a wreath next to the "Lone Sailor" statue at the memorial on Pennsylvania Avenue this morning.

Washington Mayor Vincent Gray joined the military leaders. All present saluted or placed their hands over their hearts as a bugler played "taps."

The FBI is continuing the investigation into the shooting rampage.

Aaron Alexis, a former Navy reservist, is alleged to have been the shooter.

Alexis was killed in a gun duel with police.

Officials have released the names and ages of seven of those killed. They are: Michael Arnold, 59; Sylvia Frasier, 53; Kathy Gaarde, 62; John Roger Johnson, 73, Frank Kohler, 50; Kenneth Bernard Proctor, 46 and Vishnu Pandit, 61. Other names will be released when family notifications are complete, officials said.