SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468

*Statement from Johnson Space Center Director Mike Coats*

A tragedy struck our NASA family today.

While we don’t yet understand all that’s happened, our hearts and prayers go out to the families and coworkers who lost their loved ones today and to the survivor who endured a tragic ordeal.

Violence of this kind is always difficult to understand. In the days to come, you may find yourself experiencing a variety of physical or emotional reactions. If you’d like to talk with someone, there are resources to help you. Please call the Employee Assistance Program at ext. 36130.

As we learn more about this event and its causes, we’ll share that information as we can. In the meantime, please take this time to care for yourself and the people around you.

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*Details of Shooting Incident at Johnson Space Center*

Friday evening, JSC Director Mike Coats and Houston Police held a joint press conference, where the names of the victim and the alleged gunman were announced .

The male victim was determined to be David Beverly, a NASA civil servant. Co-worker Fran Crenshaw, an employee of MRI, was the female hostage.

The alleged gunman was Bill Phillips, a Jacobs Sverdrup contractor employee with NASA for 12-13 years.

Initially, police responded to a report of a person with a weapon at JSC's Building 44 at about 2:40 p.m. EDT. At an earlier briefing, a police spokesman said they were never able to establish communication with the gunman.

Counselors available for all Johnson employees who need assistance.

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin is on the way to the center.

+ NASA Family Assistance Fund http://www.nasa.gov/about/highlights/AN_FAF.html