WASHINGTON
The mother of Aaron Alexis, the gunman of the shooting at the Washington Navy Yard in the US capital which resulted in the deaths of 13 people including his own, has apologized to the victims for her son's violent attack.
Speaking to the CNN TV channel, Cathleen Alexis expressed her relief that her son was now in a place where could no longer hurt others.
Indicating that she did not understand what could have led her son to conduct the shooting, during which he died in a gun battle with police on September 16, the mother Alexis said, “I don't know why he did what he did, and I'll never be able to ask him why.”
"To the families of the victims, I am so, so very sorry that this has happened. My heart is broken,” she stated in her condolences for the civilian workers killed in the shooting.
FBI investigations ongoing
An FBI investigation continues to seek details about gunman Aaron Alexis. FBI detectives who have confiscated Alexis' computer and other personal belongings from the hotel where he had recently been staying are trying to contact the people with whom Alexis met prior to traveling to Washington D.C..
While employees working at the Naval Sea Systems Command building from which Alexis committed the shooting were permitted to access their personal belongings, US Vice President Joe Biden visited wounded victims at the Medstar Washington Hospital Center where they are being treated.
Obama to attend memorial service
US President Barack Obama is scheduled to attend a memorial service to be held at the navy building on Sunday for the victims who lost their lives in the attack.
White House Spokeman Jay Carney noted at a press meeting that President Obama wishes to mourn the victims and share in the pain felt by the nation by attending the service.
