Senseless attack

President Barack Obama said of Thursday's shootings at the Fort Hood Army post in Texas that left 13 dead and 31 wounded: "It's difficult enough when we lose these brave Americans in battles overseas. It is horrifying that they should come under fire at an Army base on American soil."

The senseless, violent attack allegedly perpetrated by one armed soldier against his unarmed comrades and civilians at an Army readiness center defies explanation and logic. That the alleged shooter is a psychiatrist trained to counsel soldiers is equally disturbing.

As so often happens in such cases, responses by individuals who ended the violence, secured the area and treated the victims tell a story of heroism, service to others and courage under stressful and dangerous conditions.

A full investigation should follow this tragedy, particularly of the alleged shooter, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, a 39-year-old from Virginia, who was about to be deployed overseas.

Americans are saddened and disturbed by this incident, the worst mass shooting ever at a military base in the United States. The nation's thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.