(Washington, DC)  --  The Council on American-Islamic Relations is condemning yesterday's shooting spree at Fort Hood, Texas that killed 13 people and injured 30 others.

   In a statement released after the shooter was identified as 39-year-old Major Nidal Malik Hasan, CAIR said, quote, "No political or religious ideology could ever justify or excuse such wanton and indiscriminate violence. The attack was particularly heinous in that it targeted the all-volunteer Army that protects our nation.

   American Muslims stand with our fellow citizens in offering both prayers for the victims and sincere condolences to the families of those killed or injured."

   Ibrahim Hooper, national communications director for CAIR, says even without confirmation that the alleged gunman was a Muslim, the mere reporting of a possible Muslim name required an immediate comment.

   CNN reports so far there is no immediate determination of any religious affiliation for Hasan, although he reportedly had been harassed due to his Muslim heritage.

   Hasan is a U.S. citizen whose parents are Palestinians from the West Bank.

   Contrary to previous reports saying he had been killed in a shootout, Hasan is alive and reported in stable condition at an area hospital.


   (Copyright 2009 by VERTEXNews/Newsroom Solutions)