Central and Eastern Kentucky
Central and Eastern Kentucky
Texas Shooting Raises Mental Health Questions
(2009-11-06)
(Kentucky Public Radio) -

No clear motive has been established in yesterday's mass shooting at the fort hood army post in Texas. But as new information emerges about the gunman, a sociologist in Kentucky says the case brings more attention to mental illness in the military.

Major Nidal Hasan was an army psychiatrist. While it's not known if mental illness played a role in his rampage on fort hood soldiers, a Lindsey Wilson college professor says the case highlights the need for the military to be more aware of who is on and off of the battlefield. Dr. Dan Phillips is a professor of sociology and criminal justice at Lindsey Wilson.

Major Hasan is a Muslim and those who knew him say he was set to deploy soon and was upset about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, sources say Hasan received a poor performance evaluation when he worked at Walter reed army medical center. A doctor there is quoted as saying Hasan had some difficulties that required counseling and extra supervision.

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