A former US Army sniper engaged in a shootout in central Florida, killing four people, including an infant in his mother’s arms, authorities said on Sunday.
The suspect, identified as Bryan Riley, killed a 40-year-old man, a 33-year-old woman and her 3-month-old son as well as the child’s 62-year-old grandmother in a residential area of the county of Polk, Florida, County Sheriff Grady Judd said. Bryna Riley, 33, who wore a full body armor, also injured an 11-year-old girl before going to police after an intense shooting, according to the sheriff.
A survivalist on methamphetamine
A veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the man told police he was a “survivalist” and had taken methamphetamine. The suspect also told police, without explaining, “you know why I did this,” according to a statement from Grady Judd posted on social media.
Injured in the shooting, the former sniper was rushed to a local hospital, where he again attempted to attack the police and had to be sedated. After receiving medical help, he was transferred to a local prison. The motive for the attack was not immediately clear, Mr Judd said. An investigation is underway.