Obama Calls for Further Review of Missed Warning Signs & Motives of Fort Hood Shooter

From Asia, President Obama devotes his weekly address to the domestic tragedy at Fort Hood, calling for a complete investigation so that the “full story” of the gunman’s motives and possible missed “warning signs” in the system is told. “That investigation will look at the motives of the alleged gunman, including his views and contacts,” President Obama said alluding to of Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, although not by name. “I am confident that justice will be done, and I will insist that the full story be told. That is paramount, and I won’t compromise that investigation today by discussing the details of this case.” The President also called for study of the “potential warning signs” that may have been known prior to the shootings. “We must uncover what steps – if any – could have been taken to avert this tragedy,” Obama said, “The purpose of this review is clear: We must compile every piece of information that was known about the gunman, and we must learn what was done with that information.” If there was a failure to take appropriate action before the shootings, Mr. Obama said there must be accountability. “Beyond that – and most importantly – we must quickly and thoroughly evaluate and address any flaws in the system, so that we can prevent a similar breach from happening again. Our government must be able to act swiftly and surely when it has threatening information. And our troops must have the security that they deserve.” While the President said while “there should” be inquiries in Congress on this matter, he also cautioned against politics getting too entrenched in this investigation. “All of us should resist the temptation to turn this tragic event into the political theater that sometimes dominates the discussion here in Washington. The stakes are far too high.” Mr. Obama delayed his trip to Asia by one day in order to attend Tuesday’s memorial services at Fort Hood On Wednesday the President spoke at a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, which he says in his weekly address took on “even greater poignancy and meaning because of the tragic events at Ford Hood.” -Sunlen Miller