Chattanoogans puzzle out answers, pour out grief day after deadly shooting spree

Donna Christian-Lowe puts her hand to her face as people bow their heads in prayer during an interfaith vigil at Olivet Baptist Church held in remembrance of victims of the July, 16 shootings on Friday, July 17, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil was held one day after gunman Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot and killed four U.S. Marines and wounded two others and a Chattanooga police officer at the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway shortly after firing into the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway.

By Joy Lukachick Smith, Shelly Bradbury July 18, 2015 1 min read

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Puzzling out answers, pouring out grief

Rodney Gray, left, prays during a memorial service at River Park Saturday, July 18, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn., for the victims of the Tennessee shootings. Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez, of Hixson, Tenn., attacked two military facilities on Thursday, in a shooting rampage that killed four Marines and one U.S. Navy sailor. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)

Teen Challenge member, Carol Parker, center, becomes emotional during a memorial service at River Park Saturday, July 18, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn., for the victims of the Tennessee shootings. The U.S. Navy says a sailor who was shot in the attack on a military facility in Chattanooga has died, raising the death toll to five people. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)

Dianna Varnes stands by a table adorned with photographs of the Marines who died after a memorial service at River Park Saturday, July 18, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The U.S. Navy says a sailor who was shot in the attack on a military facility in Chattanooga has died, raising the death toll to five people. Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez, of Hixson, Tenn., attacked two military facilities on Thursday, in a shooting rampage that killed four Marines and one U.S. Navy sailor. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)

Retired Army Col. Chris Cole wears a Military Order of the Purple Heart hat at an interfaith vigil at Olivet Baptist Church held in remembrance of victims of the July, 16 shootings on Friday, July 17, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil was held one day after gunman Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot and killed four U.S. Marines and wounded two others and a Chattanooga police officer at the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway shortly after firing into the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway.

Yusra Siddiqui, right, and Zoha Ahmad, who came with others from the Islamic Society of Greater Chattanooga to offer their support, pray during an interfaith vigil at Olivet Baptist Church held in remembrance of victims of the July, 16 shootings on Friday, July 17, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil was held one day after gunman Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot and killed four U.S. Marines and wounded two others and a Chattanooga police officer at the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway shortly after firing into the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway.

Chattanooga Deputy Police Chief David Roddy, right, hugs Sgt. Denny Jones before an interfaith vigil at Olivet Baptist Church held in remembrance of victims of the July, 16 shootings on Friday, July 17, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil was held one day after gunman Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot and killed four U.S. Marines and wounded two others and a Chattanooga police officer at the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway shortly after firing into the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway.

Supporters bow their heads in prayer for the start of an interfaith vigil at Olivet Baptist Church held in remembrance of victims of the July, 16 shootings on Friday, July 17, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil was held one day after gunman Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot and killed four U.S. Marines and wounded two others and a Chattanooga police officer at the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway shortly after firing into the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway.

Clergy and supporters put their hands on the shoulder of Chattanooga Deputy Police Chief David Roddy as he speaks during an interfaith vigil at Olivet Baptist Church held in remembrance of victims of the July, 16 shootings on Friday, July 17, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil was held one day after gunman Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot and killed four U.S. Marines and wounded two others and a Chattanooga police officer at the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway shortly after firing into the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway.

Supporters gather for an interfaith vigil at Olivet Baptist Church held in remembrance of victims of the July, 16 shootings on Friday, July 17, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil was held one day after gunman Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot and killed four U.S. Marines and wounded two others and a Chattanooga police officer at the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway shortly after firing into the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway.

Chattanooga Public Safety Coordinator Paul Smith, left, hugs U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mary Jackson before she speaks at an interfaith vigil at Olivet Baptist Church held in remembrance of victims of the July, 16 shootings on Friday, July 17, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil was held one day after gunman Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot and killed four U.S. Marines and wounded two others and a Chattanooga police officer at the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway shortly after firing into the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway.

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, U.S. Sen Bob Corker, and U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann listen at an interfaith vigil at Olivet Baptist Church held in remembrance of victims of the July, 16 shootings on Friday, July 17, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil was held one day after gunman Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot and killed four U.S. Marines and wounded two others and a Chattanooga police officer at the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway shortly after firing into the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway.

Dr. Wayne Faunteroy wipes his face during an interfaith vigil at Olivet Baptist Church held in remembrance of victims of the July, 16 shootings on Friday, July 17, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil was held one day after gunman Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot and killed four U.S. Marines and wounded two others and a Chattanooga police officer at the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway shortly after firing into the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway.

Chattanooga Assistant Police Chief Danna Vaughn listens during an interfaith vigil at Olivet Baptist Church held in remembrance of victims of the July, 16 shootings on Friday, July 17, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil was held one day after gunman Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot and killed four U.S. Marines and wounded two others and a Chattanooga police officer at the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway shortly after firing into the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway.

Uzma Munir, who came with others from the Islamic Society of Greater Chattanooga to offer their support, puts her hands to her face while listening during an interfaith vigil at Olivet Baptist Church held in remembrance of victims of the July, 16 shootings on Friday, July 17, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil was held one day after gunman Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot and killed four U.S. Marines and wounded two others and a Chattanooga police officer at the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway shortly after firing into the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway.

Women who came with others from the Islamic Society of Greater Chattanooga to offer their support put their hands around one another during an interfaith vigil at Olivet Baptist Church held in remembrance of victims of the July, 16 shootings on Friday, July 17, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil was held one day after gunman Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot and killed four U.S. Marines and wounded two others and a Chattanooga police officer at the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway shortly after firing into the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway.

Women who came with others from the Islamic Society of Greater Chattanooga to offer their support hug outside after an interfaith vigil at Olivet Baptist Church held in remembrance of victims of the July, 16 shootings on Friday, July 17, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil was held one day after gunman Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot and killed four U.S. Marines and wounded two others and a Chattanooga police officer at the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway shortly after firing into the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway.

Mounir Minkara, Diala Minkara, and Amani Issa, from right, who came with others from the Islamic Society of Greater Chattanooga to offer their support, listen during an interfaith vigil at Olivet Baptist Church held in remembrance of victims of the July, 16 shootings on Friday, July 17, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil was held one day after gunman Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot and killed four U.S. Marines and wounded two others and a Chattanooga police officer at the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway shortly after firing into the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway.

USMC Captain Ty Balzer, left, speaks to media as Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher listens from behind during a press conference at Tennessee Valley Authority's Missionary Ridge Auditorium on Friday, July 17, 2015 the day after a four Marines were shot and killed. The investigation is being treated as an act of terrorism.

Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher, left, speaks to media as USMC Captain Ty Balzer listens from behind during a press conference at Tennessee Valley Authority's Missionary Ridge Auditorium on Friday, July 17, 2015 the day after a four Marines were shot and killed. The investigation is being treated as an act of terrorism.

ATF Special Agent Steve Gerido speaks to media during a press conference at Tennessee Valley Authority's Missionary Ridge Auditorium on Friday, July 17, 2015 the day after a four Marines were shot and killed. The investigation is being treated as an act of terrorism.

FBI Special Agent Ed Reinhold, left, speaks as Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher , center, and USMC Captain Ty Balzer, right, listen from behind during a press conference at Tennessee Valley Authority's Missionary Ridge Auditorium on Friday, July 17, 2015 the day after a four Marines were shot and killed. The investigation is being treated as an act of terrorism.

U.S. Attorney Bill Killian speaks to media as USMC Captain Ty Balzer listens from behind during a press conference at Tennessee Valley Authority's Missionary Ridge Auditorium on Friday, July 17, 2015 the day after a four Marines were shot and killed. The investigation is being treated as an act of terrorism.

Video journalists fill the back of the Tennessee Valley Authority's Missionary Ridge Auditorium during a press conference on Friday, July 17, 2015 the day after a four Marines were shot and killed. The investigation is being treated as an act of terrorism.

U.S. Attorney Bill Killian
USMC Captain Ty Balzer
FBI Special Agent Ed Reinhold
ATF Special Agent Steve Gerido

FBI Special Agent Ed Reinhold, center, speaks as media fill the Tennessee Valley Authority's Missionary Ridge Auditorium during a press conference on Friday, July 17, 2015 the day after a four Marines were shot and killed. The investigation is being treated as an act of terrorism.

Chattanooga police officers took a “tremendous amount” of gunfire when they confronted Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez at a military center on Amnicola Highway on Thursday, but officers continued to move forward and shoot back until Abdulazeez was killed in the firefight, according to the FBI.

Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher and others described the gun battle and ongoing investigation in a news conference Friday.

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‘Nightmare for our city’

Chattanooga Police Cadets in training walk through a hallway at the Chattanooga Fire Training center after a domestic terror incident that killed four Marines at the nearby Naval Reserve facility on Amnicola Highway on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Chattanooga Police Department Sgt. John Monroe, center, holds an automatic weapon prior to a news conference at the Chattanooga Fire Training center about a domestic terror incident that killed four Marines at the nearby Naval Reserve facility on Amnicola Highway on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Chattanooga Police Department instructor Ricky Ballard guards the front door at the Chattanooga Fire Training center prior to a news conference about a domestic terror incident that killed four Marines at the nearby Naval Reserve facility on Amnicola Highway on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

FBI Special Agent In Charge Ed Reinhold speaks from the podium during a news conference at the Chattanooga Fire Training center about a domestic terror incident that killed four Marines at the nearby Naval Reserve facility on Amnicola Highway on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

National and local media gather for a news conference at the Chattanooga Fire Training center about a domestic terror incident that killed four Marines at the nearby Naval Reserve facility on Amnicola Highway on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Chattanooga Police Department Chief Fred Fletcher speaks from the podium during a news conference at the Chattanooga Fire Training center about a domestic terror incident that killed four Marines at the Naval Reserve facility on Amnicola Highway on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

U. S. District Attorney General Bill Killian, center, speaks with others in a hallway after a news conference at the Chattanooga Fire Training center about a domestic terror incident that killed four Marines at the Naval Reserve facility on Amnicola Highway on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

U. S. District Attorney General Bill Killian, left, and FBI Special Agent In Charge Ed Reinhold speak with others in a hallway after a news conference at the Chattanooga Fire Training center about a domestic terror incident that killed four Marines at the Naval Reserve facility on Amnicola Highway on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Sgt. DeMonte Cheeley limps as he is escorted to an unmarked patrol car by police officers from Erlanger Hospital's emergency room after a shooting at both the Lee Highway Armed Forces Career Center and the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The shooting left five dead, including the shooter, and a Chattanooga police officer wounded.

Law enforcement perch on the rear of an armored vehicle as they prepare at a staging area on Hixson Pike to investigate the nearby home of gunman Mohammad Abdulazeez on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Abdulazeez is the gunman in a shooting at both the Amnicola Highway Armed Forces Career Center and the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway which left five dead, including the shooter, and a Chattanooga police officer wounded.

Law enforcement work around the Chattanooga Police's bomb squad truck.

FBI agents prepare in a staging area on Hixson Pike before leaving to investigate the nearby home of gunman Mohammad Abdulazeez on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Abdulazeez is the gunman in a shooting at both the Amnicola Highway Armed Forces Career Center and the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway which left five dead, including the shooter, and a Chattanooga police officer wounded.

A Chattanooga Police Officer blocks access to the Colonial Shores neighborhood as police raid the home of gunman Mohammad Abdulazeez on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Abdulazeez is the gunman in a shooting at both the Amnicola Highway Armed Forces Career Center and the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway which left five dead, including the shooter, and a Chattanooga police officer wounded.

Hamilton County Sheriff's officers hold rifles outside of Erlanger Hospital's emergency room while the hospital is on lockdown after a shooting at both the Amnicola Highway Armed Forces Career Center and the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The shooting left five dead, including the shooter, and a Chattanooga police officer wounded.

Officers enter the Erlanger Hospital ER after a shooting at both the Lee Highway Armed Forces Career Center and the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The shooting left five dead, including the shooter, and a Chattanooga police officer wounded.

Officers put plastic bags of items into the trunk of a patrol car in the ambulance bay of Erlanger Hospital's ER after a shooting at both the Lee Highway Armed Forces Career Center and the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The shooting left five dead, including the shooter, and a Chattanooga police officer wounded.

Phlebotomist Katrice Davenport, center, prepares to take donated blood from Emily Ramsey at the Blood Assurance center Thursday, July 116, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Ramsey, whose husband is a former marine who served in the local unit, came to donate after hearing about the shooting at both the Lee Highway Armed Forces Career Center and the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway which left five dead, including the shooter, and a Chattanooga police officer wounded.

Retired marine Ben Cool watches news reports as he donates blood at the Blood Assurance center Thursday, July 116, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Cool came to donate blood after hearing about the shooting at both the Lee Highway Armed Forces Career Center and the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway which left five dead, including the shooter, and a Chattanooga police officer wounded.

Phlebotomists Katrice Davenport, left, and Lauren Hinton prepare bags of donated blood at Blood Assurance after a shooting at both the Amnicola Highway Armed Forces Career Center and the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The shooting left five dead, including the shooter, and a Chattanooga police officer wounded.

Police vehicles block the intersection of Amnicola Highway and Wilcox Boulevard in response to a domestic terror incident that killed four Marines at the Naval Reserve facility on Amnicola Highway on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

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Chattanoogans gather at prayer vigil after recruiting center shootings

Greg, left, and Leslie Walker hold hands during a prayer vigil at Redemption Point Church on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil followed a shooting at both the Lee Highway Armed Forces Career Center and the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway which left five dead, including the shooter, and a Chattanooga police officer wounded.

Stephanie Rhoades holds her son Peyton during a prayer vigil at Redemption Point Church on Thursday, July 16, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The vigil followed a shooting at both the Lee Highway Armed Forces Career Center and the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway which left five dead, including the shooter, and a Chattanooga police officer wounded.

Abdulazeez opened fire with at least one AK-47, officials said, killing four U.S. Marines and wounding three others – including a sailor who Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke said was fighting for his life on Friday evening.

The killer shot at a military recruiting center on Lee Highway then sped to the U.S. Naval and Marine Reserve Center on Amnicola Highway, pursued by police.

Officers opened fire “shortly after” Abdulazeez arrived at the reserve, Fletcher said.