Senators Britt and Tuberville remember 5th anniversary of Pensacola Naval Air Station shooting

December 6, 2024 - WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) recognized the fallen sailors, including Joshua Kaleb Watson of Alabama, who were killed in a terrorist attack on December 6, 2019.

"Today, on the anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, we honor the heroism of Alabamian Joshua Kaleb Watson, who ran towards danger, knowingly risking his own life, to save others. Ensign Watson was a true American hero who was stolen from his friends and family by barbaric terrorism. Today we honor Joshua Kaleb Watson, Mohammed Haitham, and Cameron Walters who were all killed five years ago while serving our nation. Had it not been for their bravery, more Americans would have lost their lives that day. As we commemorate the anniversary of this attack, we must never forget their tremendous patriotism and ultimate sacrifice," said Senator Britt.

"Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson is a hero who showed incredible courage in the face of terrorism on Dec. 6, 2019. His bravery and quick action saved countless lives on a tragic day for our nation. Ensign Watson's sacrifice showcases the very best of American patriotism, and Alabama is proud to call him one of ours. It's an honor to help introduce this resolution every year to help keep his memory alive. Today, we remember him, and pray for his loved ones who still grieve his loss," said Senator Tuberville.

Senators Rick Scott's (R-Florida) resolution recognizing the anniversary of the NAS Pensacola attack unanimously passed the Senate yesterday. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) also cosponsored the resolution.

"Today, on the fifth anniversary of the tragic shooting at NAS Pensacola that senselessly took the lives of three brave Americans-Joshua Kaleb Watson, Mohammed Haitham and Cameron Walters-we honor their service and life dedicated to serving and protecting our country. Every day, they are missed by their friends, family, and all who knew them. The entire Pensacola community was forever changed that day following the tragic news. This act of terror never should have happened, and following the attack, I fought for significant reform through my Secure U.S. Bases Act that became law. I will never stop working to make sure our bases are safe and this never happens again. I want to thank my colleagues for standing in solidarity and remembering and honoring the lives that were taken far too soon on that tragic day five years ago," said Senator Scott.

Alabama native 23-year old Navy Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson was shot five times. Despite being mortally wounded, Watson went and found first responders and gave them a detailed description of the assailant as well as his location before succumbing from his wounds. Watson is credited with the saving of several lives.

"Our state and our nation will forever remember Kaleb Watson as a hero," Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) said back in 2019. "Even after being shot multiple times, he mustered up the strength to direct first responders to the assailant at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. This young man had a full life ahead of him, one with dreams and a promising military career. He made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, and we will never forget. My prayers remain with his family and loved ones, as well as the many men and women serving in our military here and abroad."

https://www.alreporter.com/2019/12/10/alabama-sailor-killed-in-pensacola-naval-air-station-shooting/

The shooter was a Saudi national who was at Pensacola Air Station for light training. The shooter reportedly clashed with flight instructors.

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