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Soldier and children shot by girlfriend’s ex-lover
This week, a former Soldier shot and killed an active-duty service member and three children at the home of Sergeant. Major Aletha Holliday, who survived the attack in Sumter, South Carolina. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Charles Slacks, died by suicide following the attack, according to police.
38-year-old Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos Evans was shot killed along with three children aged 5, 6, and 11 years old. Holliday was not harmed but was at home at the time Slacks entered and started firing, authorities say.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A former soldier shot and killed an active-duty service member and three children at his ex-wife's house nine miles from Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina late Tuesday, <a href="https://twitter.com/StevenBeynon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StevenBeynon</a> reports:<a href="https://t.co/NtlpwuaMii">https://t.co/NtlpwuaMii</a></p>— Thomas Novelly (@TomNovelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomNovelly/status/1638632891839119360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The incident has shocked the military community and raised concerns about gun violence and safety on military bases. Shaw Air Force Base is one of the largest installations in the Pentagon’s portfolio, with some 12,500 acres of land and 8,200 active-duty personnel. It is also home to U.S. Army Central, often referred to as the Third Army.
Slacks managed ammunition logistics at Shaw Air Force Base as a Defense Department civilian, according to his LinkedIn profile, and previously oversaw safety procedures for firing ranges. He served in the Army between 1999 and 2006, working in intelligence.
Authorities are still investigating the shooting and are yet to determine the motive behind the attack. However, Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark said that the incident appears to be domestic-related.
“Our sincere condolences are extended to the family,” said Dr. William Wright, who is the superintendent of the local school district, in a statement, according to local reporting from News 19. “School counsellors and our Crisis Response Team are at the schools to assist our students and staff who need assistance with this tragic loss. Our hearts are filled with sadness, and we will continue to lend support to one another during this time.”
The incident comes on the heels of another high-profile shooting that rocked the military community. In January, a soldier stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, allegedly shot his fiancée and injured her child before being arrested and charged with murder.
The recent shooting has reignited concerns about gun violence and safety on military bases. In response to these incidents, the military has implemented several measures to prevent gun violence and improve safety. These include increased background checks and screenings, stricter regulations on gun ownership, and training for service members on how to recognize and report potential threats.
However, the recent shooting has highlighted the need for continued vigilance and support for those affected by gun violence. The military and civilian communities must work together to provide resources and services to help service members and their families cope with the trauma of these tragedies.
