Authorities in California have named Albert Wong, 36, a decorated former Army infantryman as the shooter at the country’s largest veterans home. Wong who was a former patient entered the Pathway Home during an employee meeting, wearing all black with his rifle and took three women hostage.
The standoff between the gunman and law enforcement lasted approximately eight hours before he killed he shot the victims and committed suicide. The victims are Christine Loeber, Executive Director, Jennifer Golick, Clinical Director, and Jennifer Gonzales, a clinical psychologist.
Wong had just recently been dropped from the program. Wong had been receiving treatment for PTSD. It is unknown at this time if that was the cause of the shooting.
The Pathway Home
The Pathway Home is a nonprofit post-traumatic stress disorder program at the Veterans Home. According to their website, The Pathway Home provides with support to post-9/11 veterans in professional and clinical help along with educational and vocational training. They help Veterans who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury. The Pathway Home has helped thousands of veterans since opening in 2008 and have an average of 840 veterans who live there full time.
The Home helps veterans from all military branches including the National Guard and Reserves.
At this time the program only helps male veterans but does has plans to help women veterans. In 2017, Congressman Mike Thompson recognized the Pathway Home and released a statement, that he was very proud of the work they have provided and thanked them for their service.
Condolences
California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. stated on Twitter, ”Anne and I are deeply saddened by the horrible violence at the Yountville Veterans Home, which tragically took the lives of three people dedicated to serving our veterans.
Our hearts go out to their families and loved ones and the entire community of Yountville.” Governor Brown has ordered that flags are half-staff in honor of the victims.”
.@JerryBrownGov Issues Statement on Yountville Veterans Home Shooting: https://t.co/DrTuIW2nGD pic.twitter.com/7TmFWMZXkc
— Gov. Brown Press Office (@GovPressOffice) March 10, 2018
President Trump also stated on Twitter,”we are deeply saddened by the tragic situation in Yountville and mourn the loss of three incredible women who cared for our Veterans.”
We are deeply saddened by the tragic situation in Yountville and mourn the loss of three incredible women who cared for our Veterans.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 10, 2018
Albert Wong had served in the Army, as an infantryman, had received four service awards. One in which was Expert Marksmanship. He also was a security guard and licensed private investigator.The LA Times also reported that Wong served in Afghanistan between 2011 to 2012.
