Lawmaker: ‘No interference’ from Saudi in US probe into Navy base attack
A US lawmaker says the Saudi kingdom must engage in “no interference” in the American investigation into the Saudi aviation officer, who killed three people and wounded more Friday at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) said in a tweet on Saturday that Mohammed Saeed al-Shamrani “wasn’t alone.”
"Just spoke w Saudi Ambassador Reema Al Saud & received her condolences," Gaetz tweeted. "I expressed in the strongest possible terms that we expect to conduct our investigation w full cooperation & no interference from the Kingdom."
"This was a planned terrorist attack & the shooter wasn’t alone."
The Saudi suspect, second lieutenant in the Saudi Arabian military, reportedly hosted a dinner party the night before the attack to watch mass shooting videos.
He apparently posted criticism of US wars and quoted slain al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden on social media hours before the shooting spree.
Al-Shamrani was a member of the Royal Saudi Air Force on the base as part of a US Navy training program.
At least six other Saudi nationals were being questioned by investigators in Florida, including three who were seen filming the incident.
The attack took place amid close ties between the Saudi monarchy and the Trump administration.
President Donald Trump received a call from Saudi Arabian King Salman, who extended his condolences and pledged Riyadh’s support in the investigation.