Days after the tragic shooting of several military service members in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the family of the shooter, Mohammad Abdulazeez, has stepped forward to address the public.
The statement from the family was posted on Twitter by NPR Southern U.S. Bureau Chief Russell Lewis late Saturday night.
[seealso slug="deadly-shooting-tennessee"]
"We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the honorable service members and police officers who were victims of the shooting our son committed on Thursday in Chattanooga, Tennessee—our community, and one we have loved for over twenty-five years," reads the statement from the Abdulazeez family. "Our prayers go out to the victims' families, friends, and everyone who is affected by this tragedy."
The shooting, which claimed the lives of five military service members (four Marines and one Navy officer) prompted a number of political leaders across the U.S. to speak out on the issue of protecting military personnel.
The reported Abdulazeez family statement goes on to detail the family's position with regard to the shooting.
"There are no words to describe our shock, horror, and grief. The person who committed this horrible crime was not the son we knew and loved," the statement continues. "For many years, our son suffered from depression. It grieves us beyond belief to know that his pain found its expression in this heinous act of violence."
Although some commenting on the statement via Twitter appeared to appreciate the words, still others seemed less than comforted by the family's condolences directed toward the families of the victims.
@NPRrussell @nprnews Condolences are well meant, but many people get depressed without killing our military veterans. Your son was misguided— Joe Newman (@JoeAllenNewman) July 19, 2015
@NPRrussell @nprnews I am not saying this isn't heartfelt but it is certainly not addressing the problem in any way.— Michael Pinion (@Michael_Pinion) July 19, 2015
@TMason74 @NPRrussell @nprnews Depression has nothing to do with it. In fact, the shooting was done DESPITE that the shooter had depression.— SpeakHuman (@SpeakingHuman) July 19, 2015
The Abdulazeez family's statement ends with a note regarding their cooperation with the authorities.
"We have cooperated with law enforcement and will continue to do so, as we understand there are many legitimate questions that need to be answered," the statement reads. "Having said this, now is the time to reflect on the victims and their families, and we feel it would be inappropriate to say anything more other than that we are truly sorry for their loss."