7 dead in dual attacks at US military base

WASHINGTON — Seven people were killed and 20 wounded in a pair of shootings Thursday at the Fort Hood Army base in Texas, the Army says.

An army spokesman in Washington says the base has been locked down following the shootings. Another official told The Asociated Press that at least one shooter had been caught.

The FBI is sending agents to the scene.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Nathan Banks says the first shooting began at about 1:30 p.m. at a personnel and medical processing office. The facility, called a Soldier Rating and Processing center, handles administrative details for soldiers.

Banks says two shooters were apparently involved. There was no immediate word on who they were, nor on identities of the dead.

Banks says the second incident took place at a theater on the sprawling base.

Another Army official identified that site as the Howze Theater.

That official, who requested anonymity to discuss an evolving incident, said a graduation had been scheduled for 2 p.m. at the theater.

The White House said President Barack Obama was notified of the shootings.