November 7, 2009
Posted: November 7th, 2009 03:37 PM ET
The flag flew at half-staff as Texas Sen. John Cornyn made remarks Friday about the shootings at Fort Hood in his state.
The flag flew at half-staff as Texas Sen. John Cornyn made remarks Friday about the shootings at Fort Hood in his state.

Fort Hood, Texas (CNN) - As investigators at Fort Hood meticulously probed Thursday's grisly massacre, a Texas surgeon said more of the wounded victims of the shootings were slowly but surely on the mend.

Flanked by Texas Gov. Rick Perry and two state representatives, W. Roy Smythe, chief of surgery at Scott & White Memorial Hospital, said "a lot of progress has been made" in treating patients wounded in the rampage and that "some of them are out of the woods."

But Smythe told reporters in a Saturday news conference there is a possibility some patients will be "physically impaired" for life. And, he said, there's "no doubt many" will be "psychologically impaired the rest of their lives."

Thursday's mass shooting left 12 soldiers and one civilian dead and 38 others wounded at the Fort Hood Army Post in Texas. Thirty-four of the injured had gunshot wounds, military officials said. The suspect in the shooting, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, a licensed Army psychiatrist, was among the two dozen who remained hospitalized Friday night.

Hasan was transported by air Friday afternoon to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, and had been listed in critical but stable condition.

The incident has sparked national outrage. In his Saturday address, President Obama said it was "an act of violence that would have been heartbreaking had it occurred anyplace in America." But the president said, "it's all the more heartbreaking and all the more despicable because of the place where it occurred and the patriots who were its victims."

The White House said President Obama and the first lady will be attending a memorial service on Tuesday and the president ordered flags flying over the White House and other federal buildings to be lowered to half-staff until Veterans Day on Wednesday.

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Filed under: Michelle Obama • President Obama


K   November 7th, 2009 10:19 pm ET

Preston kathy first mr obama is there to say good by to are fallen soliderns at dover md now he wants to honor the fallen soilders at fort hood obama shows us he love are military the gop party was so mad when obama went to berlin will the gop members be in berlin are you kidding they will say any thing to make obama look bad

This Is Great   November 7th, 2009 10:07 pm ET

The man everyone loves to hate, G.W.Bush, has already been to Ft. Hood to honor the fallen and wounded soldiers, without the cameras. Without the press, and without the ego.

K   November 7th, 2009 9:11 pm ET

preston kathy im proud of the obams when are soilders arrived in coffins at fort mead bush would try to hide this sad event thank god obama is there for are nation to honor them viet nam veteran

Joe M   November 7th, 2009 8:25 pm ET

Another PHOTO OP for this guy is about all it amounts to..

annie against biased news   November 7th, 2009 8:21 pm ET

Will michelle fall asleep during ceremony like she did at kennedy's funeral?

Party Purity will never bring Political Power!   November 7th, 2009 8:19 pm ET

Be careful President Obama coming to this part of Texas.

catmom   November 7th, 2009 8:17 pm ET

No, Mr. Miller, he couldn't make time to go to Berlin. Perhaps his time is being used here taking care of the matters of this country. Perhaps he has listened to all the right wing rants about the trips he has made that didn't go along with their agenda. Perhaps he was considering all the whining he has heard about tax dollars being spent to do the Presidential things that all other President did. Perhaps going to Berlin means more to right wing/conservative/Obama haters than it does to anyone else.

wontbefooledagain   November 7th, 2009 8:01 pm ET

Uh, did anybody see the full press conference that took place the day of the shootings? He gave a shout out to a Medal of Honor winner, only the man (very respectable man I may add) had never won the Medal of Honor (he did win the bronze star), he had be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal. I could understand the mix up, but Obama was the one who awarded it to him. Are we sure this guy is doing what everybody sent him to do? I thought rappers gave shout outs, not presidents....btw the man mentioned is Joe Medicine Crow, awesome story, you should look him up.

Borkenstein   November 7th, 2009 8:00 pm ET

i'm sure the Hasan family will be grateful.

Jenn, Philadelphia   November 7th, 2009 7:58 pm ET

It is absolutely correct for the President to go to Ft. Hood. If it hadn't have happened, he still shouldn't go to Berlin. He has important work to do here.

theydontcareboutu   November 7th, 2009 7:53 pm ET

Can I get a shout out.

Michael   November 7th, 2009 7:45 pm ET

The President will be where he should be- and you yokels who lambast him at every move need to grow a brain- No wonder your party was defeated so soundly last November!

L for Legend   November 7th, 2009 7:41 pm ET

So the rethugs think he shouldn't attend, how dumb they behave.

30 Year Veteran   November 7th, 2009 7:34 pm ET

Nobody here wants them in Texas.

Southernhrt   November 7th, 2009 7:23 pm ET

He probably figured he had to go since George W Bush and Laura visited Ft. Hood today without and press or fanfare. Wonder if Obama will say something about the healthcare vote first. He certainly didn't give priority to the tragedy at Ft. Hood the other evening.

brenda   November 7th, 2009 7:22 pm ET

Henry Miller @ 3:45 – You are comparing apples to oranges. The Fort Hood memorial does not compare to Berlin.

Perusing-through   November 7th, 2009 7:16 pm ET

HOW LOW CAN REPUBLICAN SUPPORTERS AND TEXAS GOVERNOR RICK PERRY GO?

Bet you a crisp $1 dollar bill that Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Michelle Bachman, Secessionist Republican Governor Perry and the fringe Tea Party & Birther idiots turn Obama's visit to Fort Hood into an anti-Obama socialist-indoctrination protest.

Redleg   November 7th, 2009 7:16 pm ET

When will GIngricn, Limbaugh, etc, etc apologize to the men who fought and died in their place becasue they lacked the manhood to fight Communism themselves?

When will we ever get an apology for Reagan paying tribute to the SS?

Pat   November 7th, 2009 7:15 pm ET

I don't blame Obama for skipping on Berlin. With the missle shield for Europe cancelled, I'd also worry about going to Berlin and getting caught there as the Russian tanks roll in. Let's just hope there's no national emergency around Dec 10, because Obama will HAVE to go to Osolo to pick up his ego trippin' Peace Prize regardless of what happeneing in the US.

A Mad Independent   November 7th, 2009 7:06 pm ET

Criticize the President for not going to Berlin. Criticize the President for going to Fort Hood.

You Republican and conservative bastards just do not know when to quit.

Gerry   November 7th, 2009 7:04 pm ET

President Obama will attend a memorial service on Tuesday for the soldiers at Fort Hood. Is he just going to a service or is he going to Fort Hood? George and Laura Bush have already gone to Fort Hood, but George Bush really cared about us soldiers.

Fitz in Texas   November 7th, 2009 6:58 pm ET

Janice November 7th, 2009 4:41 pm ET

Oh Henry! The ceremony for the falling of the Berlin Wall is this Monday. It's better for the Pres Obama to attend the ceremony at Ft Hood to honor the AMERICAN SOLDIERS who were murdered on AMERICAN soil.
**************************************
Oh Janice! The White House announced Obama wouldn't be going to the Berlin Wall before any of this tragedy happened.

d   November 7th, 2009 6:55 pm ET

Obama jumps to conclusions in the officer vs. the professor in Cambridge case, now he tells us with this killer not to jump to conclusions like we do not know what this guy's motivation is. It seems that Obama still makes highest priority not to be Bush, and not telling the true about some islamists hate of America is in this category for him. The American people is not that stupid!

Jeremy-Dallas-tx   November 7th, 2009 6:46 pm ET

What is important to American President right now? Is it to serve the past history in Berlin or serve the present in Ft Hood and healthcare? AGAIN OBAMA IS RIGHT AND GOP IS WRONG !

carole   November 7th, 2009 6:35 pm ET

The President is going where he should be going. How many times
did GWB go to Berlin? Here's the deal, if he'd gone, you naysayers would have criticized him for being away from his country. If he doesn't go you criticize him for not being there. You must stay awake
nights trying to figure out two diametrically opposed ways to criticize
Barack Obama so that your negativity lives on no matter what he does.
Here's the deal. Just think what we could accomplish in this country if
we replaced even half the negative energy with efforts to improve this
nation. Guess it won't happen . . . people are just too busy tearing it down.

A. Smith   November 7th, 2009 6:31 pm ET

President Obama should honor these fallen soldiers and civilians by sacking the Fort Hood Commander and instructing his military commanders that any Dereliction of duty which allows someone to fall thru the cracks like the Fort Hood Commander did will not be tolerated.

In my opinion, the Fort Hood Base Commander is guilty of Dereliction of Duty and should be immediately replaced.

In the U.S. Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), dereliction of duty is addressed within the regulations governing the failure to obey an order or regulation. It means that one through negligence or culpable inefficiency, fails to perform one's expected duties.

The maximum penalty in the U.S. is a bad-conduct discharge, forfeiture of pay and six months confinement. Acts which are derelict may be charged under more specific offenses such as noncompliance with procedural rules.

It appears that the Fort Hood Base Commander through negligence or culpable inefficiency, failed to perform his expected duties in dealing with the concerns and problems of Major Hasan MD.

A. Smith
Oregon

Tracy   November 7th, 2009 6:26 pm ET

We will all have our day. This goes to Henry Miller. I watch your posts on different sites, I could never let my hatred for one man be my reason for going to hell when the Good Lord decides to take me home. You, Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O'rielly and these two other in breeds I work with are gonna let President Obama be your reason for entering the gates of hell. While he and the first lady will be enjoying the angels in heaven, you'll be crying out, but there will be no hiding place. Just like these people who died at Fort Hood did not expect to die, it is tine for them to meet their maker. So for all those ones who had hatred in their hearts this moring, or did not let go of something, they have been taken home, and not they stand before God. It's their time to be judged. And yours is coming too.

C. Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 7th, 2009 6:25 pm ET

Newt Gingrich and Rush Limbaugh are foaming at the mouth because they want our President in Berlin instead of being at a memorial service for our military and their families. I grieve for our military and their families and support the President and his wife who grieve with them in my behalf.

VDA   November 7th, 2009 6:24 pm ET

Henry are you just ignorant or you just don't care. I am a Vet and I would like for you to show some respect to the men and women who lost there life for no reason.

JJ-Orlando   November 7th, 2009 6:20 pm ET

I love this president Please stay as far away from all the evil republicans as you can. We do not want another JFK. Texas is not the place to go to right now. Heck I had to move out of the state just because I am a democrat.

carlos, THAT one   November 7th, 2009 6:01 pm ET

please keep every repugnant away from the memorial service....they are evil....look what they are spewing about the vote in the house......criminals, rotten and putrid

Mr Kitty   November 7th, 2009 5:51 pm ET

For someone who has never served he has no business at Ft. Hood. It;'s just another photo op for him before he takes off to another fundraiser. If he wants to defend this country why is he delaying troop decisions on Afganistan? Every day that goes by our young men and women in uniform are in jeopardy becuase he plays politics. As a veteran the democratics ignore the lessons of Vietnam. Let the generals manage the war, give them what they need to win. Lead, on get the hell out of the way!

USER316   November 7th, 2009 5:47 pm ET

Ok for all those excusing Obama for choosing Ft. Hood over Berlin, wake up. He had already declined going to Berlin before the terrorist attack at Ft. Hood to begin with. So that argument is a non factor. Secondly, whether he wanted to go to Berlin or not, he should have already gone to Ft. Hood before the memorial service takes place. Instead today he's lobbying his healthcare, can't congress wait for a few days and the president go to Ft. Hood immediately to show his support in this attack on our military. What is more important than honoring our fallen troops in this moment. Life goes on and lawmakers can hold off and put their daily routine on hold for at least a day. The victims and their families with never have a normal day again.

gary davis Harbor Oregon   November 7th, 2009 5:46 pm ET

the man that shot all the people ahould not be used as a religious exscuse , religion had nothing to do with the attack.. the man most likely had personal issues that made him snap .. I hope that everyone in this country and around the world do not blame anything on the muslium or any other religious group... and we will remeber the fallen and those who survive. and the woman that stopped him from killing any more people .. if this person survives he needs the harshed punishment that he can receive. and this should be made an example on watching for signs of disturbed people .. this man had issues but no one was watching ..
may GOD and HUMANITY BLESS THE FALLEN AND THOSE WHO SURVIVED

gary davis
harbor oregon
proud to be an american
proud to beleive in our president

Sean   November 7th, 2009 5:46 pm ET

The Berlin Wall has been down for so long... let's move on. Moreover, Texas is part of our country, the President should go!

They call me "tater salad"   November 7th, 2009 5:45 pm ET

SCREW BERLIN!!!!!! Last time I checked, Berlin was in Germany and Fort Hood was in America...........Whats more important right now? The goings on in Germany or America? I say AMERICA!!!!!!!!! Germany can take a "F'n"number and wait their turn!!!!!!!!! Some of you people need to get your priorities in order!!!!!!!Bunch of unpatriotic losers!!!!!!!

They call me "tater salad"   November 7th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

Yep..........And shortly thereafter some right-wing, halfwit, will step up and find something wrong with it or try to say it was just a "photo op"! You know it's coming..........Just give it a minute!!!!

once upon a horse   November 7th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

@Henry Miller, Libertarian.......

I REALLY hope you're just being sarcastic in your comment. If NOT then you need some serious help.

Either that are you're really a far right GOPer that finds fault in this president no matter what he does.

annie against biased news   November 7th, 2009 5:37 pm ET

GW & wife went to Fort Hood last nigh without fanfare or photo-ops. obama turned down the Berlin wall before the shooting in Fort Hood you far-left liberal loonies. God Bless our military! bo is letting our military hang out to die in Afghanistan and doesn't decide to go to Fort Hood until he hears all the criticism about him. Hasn't mentioned that the shooter was on his transition team.

Boston Guy   November 7th, 2009 5:32 pm ET

Newt left his disabled wife for another woman, Rush was caught with a whole lot of Viagra and they want to complain about the President not going to Berlin?? Let the President do his job and stop complaining. Somehow they will blame Obama for this tragic incident. People like Newt and Rush were probably the ones bullying this guy to the point he couldn't take it anymore. That's what the Republicans do best!

Alfred   November 7th, 2009 5:31 pm ET

President Bush immediately goes to Ft. Hood to spend "considerable time" consoling victims' families. Obama goes to the House of Representatives to push for health care. Makes sense, right? This man and his lack of respect for our military, of which I am a member, disgusts me...

indiana voter   November 7th, 2009 5:24 pm ET

Let's just hope he doesn't turn it into a campaign rally for health care reform, or give a shout out to some friends of his, like did the other day before talking about the tragedy at Fort Hood.

Stone   November 7th, 2009 5:19 pm ET

Personally, I think Obama should go to Germany. I'd rather see him there than here. And it wouldn't be such a bad idea if he stopped by to pick up George W. before he left.

Ken in NC   November 7th, 2009 5:07 pm ET

Just a few months ago, the President was criticized for leaving the country and wasting jet fuel when he could have stayed home. Now he is criticized for not going overseas saying he should have gone. It's like he is not going to ever do anything right by the standards of others. The Presidents place now is at Fort Hood in Texas. For those of you that do not care for the man need to understand that he is our President and not our Butler that is here to do as each of us tells him to do. We elected him to act as our leader and until we vote him out or in 8 years have passed, he will be our President. Going to Texas is the right thing to do.

bri   November 7th, 2009 5:06 pm ET

God bless our men and women in uniform, our president and the united states of america home of the brave!

John Ca   November 7th, 2009 5:00 pm ET

When it comes to the United States troops the dems are always late to the party to help out by being there yesterday!!! That is the left wing for you!

Retardicans, give it a rest   November 7th, 2009 4:47 pm ET

The President's duty is to be at Ft. Hood.

Janice   November 7th, 2009 4:41 pm ET

Oh Henry! The ceremony for the falling of the Berlin Wall is this Monday. It's better for the Pres Obama to attend the ceremony at Ft Hood to honor the AMERICAN SOLDIERS who were murdered on AMERICAN soil.

bigTEXoil   November 7th, 2009 4:41 pm ET

who cares about Berlin????????????? Mr. President you are welcomed in TEXAS.

GGG   November 7th, 2009 4:36 pm ET

God Bless our men and women of the UNITED STATES SERVICE, My heart and prayers goes out to the families . As a wife and mother of service men I would like to say THANKYOU ALL for your BRAVERY!!!

Rosalyn Casson   November 7th, 2009 4:31 pm ET

As you should Mr. President. Keep making us proud.

aa   November 7th, 2009 4:30 pm ET

ya americans are ignorant about race and religion

SAVVY OLDTIMER   November 7th, 2009 4:14 pm ET

I hope the morons( Gingrich, Limbo, and friends) have the decency to apologize to the President, for jumping the gun and lambasting him for skipping the Berlin ceremony,... there are more pressing and solemn duties here at home.

JT the Show Me State College Freshman   November 7th, 2009 4:09 pm ET

We should honor our soldiers that lost their lives 2 days ago. They are the bravest of the bravest. The best of the best, and the penacle of courage that anyone could have. Knowing that you could lose your life everyday at any moment, and still serve with a loving heart to our nation, no amount of money could come close to being as good as that.
We should all value life with a high concious, and not ever take life that we could lose everyday for granted. No one knows when fate could take them away. Lets live all of our lives to the fullest, and help one another by the personality of bravery that we all have. God bless the troops, President Obama and his family, and the earth.

Henry Miller, Libertarian, Cary, NC   November 7th, 2009 3:45 pm ET

It's fine Obama is going to Fort Hood–but he couldn't make time to go to Berlin?

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