Driver Slams Into Escambia Fire Engine, Apartment Complex
December 7, 2019
A driver slammed into an Escambia County Fire Rescue engine and an apartment complex in Warrington early Saturday morning.
Escambia Fire Engine 16 had responded to a medical call on Barrancas Avenue when the truck was hit by a pickup truck driver. The pickup continue some 100 feet or more, traveled through a fence and crashed into an apartment complex.
No firefighters were injured. There were no immediate reports of any injuries in the apartment, and the condition of the driver was not available. The Florida Highway Patrol has not released more details.
It was just over a month ago that Escambia Fire District Chief Dwain S. Bradshaw was killed when he was hit by a vehicle while one scene of a wreck on the Muscogee Bridge just inside Alabama.
And, notably, Engine 16 was the first on scene at NAS Pensacola during the mass shooting Friday morning.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
NAS Pensacola Shooting Investigation Continues; Four Dead, Eight Injured
December 7, 2019
Investigators are working to determine what caused a Saudi national training at NAS Pensacola to go on a deadly shooting rampage Friday that left four people, including the shooter, dead.
The shooter and two other victims passed away at the scene of the shooting; one later died at Baptist Hospital. Eight others were injured, including the two Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies that “did negate the threat”, according to Sheriff David Morgan.
Navy and law enforcement officials identified the shooter as a Saudi pilot in training on the base. He was identified by multiple national news organizations as Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani. Fox News, The New York Times and other national media outlets reported late Friday that the FBI had arrested six Saudi nationals in connection with the shooting, several of which may have video recorded as Alshamrani opened fire.
Guns are not permitted on NAS Pensacola outside security forces, but Morgan said the shooter managed to get a handgun onto the base before targeting individuals on two floors of classrooms in Building 633.
“There was some real heroism today,” said the base’s commanding officer, Capt. Timothy F. Kinsella. “I am devastated, we are in shock, this is surreal, but I couldn’t be prouder to wear the uniform that I wear because of my brothers and sisters in uniform, civilian or otherwise, that did what they did today to save lives.”
The FBI is now leading the probe into mass shooting, which Congressman Matt Gaetz called an act of terrorism.
“This was not a murder. This was an act of terrorism,” Gaetz said. “…It remains to be seen if whether or not this person acted alone, or whether there were other individuals were involved in the planning, inspiration or execution of this act of terrorism.”
“We are praying hard for the victims and families impacted by today’s shooting at NAS Pensacola. As a Navy veteran, today hits especially close to home,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said. “NAS Pensacola is a special place and these brave warriors who wear the wings come here for flight training to protect and serve our great nation. My administration and state agencies have deployed and will continue to provide support personnel and services to all of the military, civilians and families impacted by today’s senseless act of violence.
“Today’s shooting not only strikes at the heart of Northwest Florida, but for the Navy nationwide and around the world,” DeSantis continued. “The response we saw from the deputies at Escambia County Sheriff’s office and active personnel responding to the scene is commendable and lives were saved because of the bravery of those wearing the uniform of the U.S. Navy and our local law enforcement, including from those who were wounded and still worked to help others. Their bravery will not be in vain. We have learned that the shooter was a foreign national in the employ of a foreign service and the government of Saudi Arabia needs to make things better for the victims and they’re going to owe a debt here.”
President Donald Trump tweeted Friday that he had been in contact with King Salman, who offered condolences. “The king said that the Saudi people are greatly angered by the barbaric actions of the shooter,” Trump said.
Later, Trump told reporters at the White House, “It’s a horrible thing that took place and we’re getting to the bottom of it.”
In a statement, Saudi King Salman called the shooting a “heinous crime” and said he expressed his sorrow over the attack in his phone call with President Trump. The king said he has directed Saudi security services to cooperate with American agencies to uncover information that will help determine the cause of the “horrific attack.”
A sailor shot three civilians at a base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Wednesday, killing two of them before committing suicide.
In a response to both shootings, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement Friday, “The Department of Defense continues to monitor the situation in Pensacola and gather all the facts of each attack.” He said he is “considering several steps to ensure the security of our military installations and the safety of our service members and their families.”
Slight Chance Of Showers Through The Weekend
December 7, 2019
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 3pm. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 66. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. North wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. East wind around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 67. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.
Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43.
Friday: A 30 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 58.
Two Teens Now Arrested In Tate High Battery Case
December 7, 2019
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has now arrested two teens in connection with the battery of a student Wednesday at Tate High School.
Lester Cheatham, 17, was arrested on a charge of felony battery Thursday afternoon. By Friday afternoon 16-year old Ya’Marcus Gross was also taken into custody on an outstanding warrant for felony battery.
Videos taken by students show the altercation with the victim falling to the ground after being punched in the face. He can be then be seen on the ground as he he is punched and kicked by two students believed to be Cheatham and Gross.
The student was released from the hospital and is now recovering at home. Social media rumors that the student died or lost his sight are not true, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
NorthEscambia.com images.
NAS Shooting Reaction: Lord, On A Day Like Today, I Have Found A Reason To Be Thankful
December 7, 2019
When the call for blood donations went out following the mass shooting at NAS Pensacola Friday, the community responded in a huge way.
Jessica Simpson, vice president of the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce jumped in to help. She explains what she found at OneBlood, in her own words:
It started off quiet at OneBlood on 9th Avenue in Pensacola.
And then they started showing up.
Young flight students and other active duty service members from Pensacola NAS. The blood bank was so overwhelmed, all of the employees started screening and the soldiers started working the front desk.
It was all I could do to deliver snacks & drinks for them while Sara RuthAnn Lefevers buzzed the door open and Matt Simpson refilled the drink stock. (You both rock)
It was heart wrenching to see their faces and know they had lost friends.
One young lady & service member asked me to answer her cell phone when it rang (since she was answering One Blood phones) and her friend on the other end merely asked me to tell her he was alive. I’ve. Never. 
One young man offered to take the actual, filled blood bags in his back seat to the hospital for his friend.
Lord come quickly.
This is too much. I had to sit down. They are so young. And yet, they’ve been sitting here for hours and will sit until every last one gives all the blood they can.
I am changed by their love.
Lord, even on a day like today, I have found reasons to be thankful.
OneBlood will be open for donatiosn from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday at 1999 East Nine Mile Road and 2209 N 9th Ave. More info: www.oneblood.org
Driver Injured In Crash With Tree Along State Line
December 7, 2019
One person was injured in a crash with a tree Friday night on the Alabama/Florida state line.
The crash happened shortly before 6 p.m. in a 90 degree curve on Old Bratt Road just a few feet into Alabama near Atmore.
The Atmore Fire Department had to clear a few small trees from around the vehicle to free the driver. She was transported to an area hospital by ambulance.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
#prayforPensacola – Local, State Officials In Their Own Words On NAS Pensacola Shootings
December 7, 2019
Local and state leaders are reacting and reflecting on the deadly shootings. Here are their thoughts, in their own words:
“Today, I was able to witness both the dark and the light of our amazing community,” Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley said. “There has been tragic and senseless loss and we will grieve for the victims and their families. But, there was also a well executed response by emergency medical services, law enforcement, and medical personnel. These teams worked together and lives were saved. I am proud of our first responders and hope folks will thank them for all they do each day.”
“#prayforPensacola,” Gilley ended her text to NorthEscambia.com.
“Our hearts are with the victims of today’s horrific tragedy. We pray for comfort and support to all those affected,” Florida Senator Doug Broxson said. “If you are in Pensacola, you can help by donating blood at the Northwest Florida Blood Center.”
“This morning we woke up to horrible news,” Representative Mike Hill said in a statement Friday. “A gunman launched a hate-filled attack in our Naval Air Station in Pensacola, leaving three innocent lives behind and many wounded. Our Escambia County Law Enforcement Officers responded quickly and courageously. We are so proud of their heroic efforts. We are praying for the victims and their families. Our office resources are available to assist.”
“My thoughts and prayers are certainly with all the innocent victims and their families,” Escambia County Commission Chairman and District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said. “It’s something I never could have imagined happening in our community. I would like to express my most profound gratitude to all law enforcement, EMS and fire personnel, and all first responders who not only rushed to action, but they also rushed directly into a deadly scene this morning. Their courage and dedication clearly saved lives, and kept this tragedy from being even worse. Our community will forever be in their debt.”
“Today was a tragic and sad day and all of our prayers are with the victims of today. We should also be very, very proud of our local first responders who stepped up like the heroes they are and met the threat head on and neutralized it. And, I also want to give special appreciative thanks to our Escambia County EMS personnel for the swift an expert care of the wounded,” said District 1 Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, who was headed to work aboard NAS Pensacola at the time of the shooting.
“Tragedies such as this are the tests that challenge how well we are prepared to respond to crisis,” remarked District 2 Commissioner Doug Underhill. “Our first responders, in collaboration with our Navy partners, performed exceptionally well when it mattered most. Today Escambia County and the Navy reaped the rewards of systematic collaboration and training, and almost certainly prevented what could have been a much greater loss of life. Every one of us should say a prayer for the victims and the first responders, and take a few minutes to consider our own resiliency and preparedness that we might perform as with honor if ever called upon.”
“We are praying for the families, friends and loved ones whose lives have been changed forever by the tragic shooting at NAS Pensacola today,” said District 3 Commissioner Lumon May. “We ask God to bring comfort to those who are grieving and strength to those who are recovering. Our deepest condolences are with all who have been affected.”
“NAS Pensacola is such an integral, important part of Escambia County and we are very supportive of our military and are keeping all of our thoughts and prayers with them,” remarked District 4 Commissioner and BOCC Vice-Chair Robert Bender. “We continue to support them as Escambia County and as citizens in this time of grief.”
“Today is a tragic day for Pensacola. Our hearts go out to those affected by this senseless act of violence, and we ask that the community continue to support and pray for the victims’ families and loved ones. Naval Air Station Pensacola has been an integral part of our city for nearly 200 years, and the impact of this tragedy will be felt throughout our community,” Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson said. “I express my sincere gratitude to the men and women aboard NAS Pensacola who selflessly serve our country every day, and to our first responders who bravely answered the call of duty this morning and put their lives on the line to restore public safety. All of you are true heroes, and we are grateful for your service.”
The City of Pensacola is here to support NAS Pensacola with mutual aid and any resources they may need during this incredibly difficult time,” Robinson continued. “This will certainly take a toll on our entire community, but I know” Pensacola is stronger than any tragedy. The worst of times often bring out the best in humanity, and I truly believe the people of Pensacola will come together and become even stronger through this ordeal.”
Pictured: #PrayForPensacola – the Pensacola Graffiti Bridge on Friday. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Governor Orders Flags To Half Staff In Florida For NAS Pensacola Shooting Victims
December 7, 2019
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered flags in the state to half staff “in honor and remembrance of the victims of the senseless act of violence committed at Naval Air Station Pensacola”.
“In honor and remembrance of the victims of the senseless act of violence committed at Naval Air Station Pensacola, today, December 6, 2019, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida,” DeSantis wrote on Friday.
Flags will remain at half staff in Florida until sunset on Friday, December 13.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
NAS Pensacola Being Evacuated
December 6, 2019
NAS Pensacola is being evacuated follow this morning’s mass shooting incident.
The base released the following statement: “All non-essential personnel on the western side of NAS Pensacola main side, including the museum, the airfield, etc, proceed to the west gate to exit the installation. If you are on the east side of the Interior Command Posts on Taylor or Radford, remain sheltered in place.”
The base is closed until further notice.
Corry Station is now open for regular traffic.
UPDATE: Four Dead, Seven Injured In NAS Pensacola Shooting
December 6, 2019
Four people are dead after an active shooter at NAS Pensacola just before 7 a.m. Friday.
The shooter and two other victims passed away at the scene of the shooting; one later died at the hospital. Gov. Ron DeSantis and Congressman Matt Gaetz have confirmed the shooter was a Saudi national.
There were seven additional victims being treated at Baptist Hospital, including two deputies. One deputy was shot in the knee and was in surgery; the second deputy was shot in the arm. Both are expected to recover, according to Sheriff David Morgan.
Morgan confirmed that Escambia County deputies “did negate the threat”, shooting and killing the gunman at the scene.
The gunman used a handgun, Morgan said.
The names of the victims will not be released until notification of next of kin is made.
NAS Commander Tim Kinsella said the shooting occurred in a classroom building and played out over two floors of the building. The shooting occurred in Building 633.
Kinsella would not speculate if the incident might be terrorism.
“I don’t even want to speculate on that,” Kinsella said.
“This is a tragic day for Pensacola,” Mayor Grover Robinson said. “Our hearts and prayers (are with) all those that serve us everyday,” Mayor Grover Robinson said. “This is a resilient community. We will overcome this.”
The public should avoid the entire area around the base; the base is locked down and closed until further notice.
There was a World War II Remembrance ceremony planned for 10 a.m. today at the National Naval Aviation Museum. The Tate High School Vocal Jazz and Wind Ensemble were scheduled to perform. NorthEscambia.com has confirmed that the Tate High School students were not yet on base.
Updates also on our Facebook page. Like and follow: https://www.facebook.com/NorthEscambia
Further details will be posted as they become available.
Pictured: NAS Commander Tim Kinsella during a press conference near the base main gate Friday morning. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.