navyshipyardshootingWASHINGTON (AP Sept 16, 2013) –  Federal law enforcement officials say the man accused in a shooting rampage at the Washington Navy Yard that left at least 13 people dead has been identified as Aaron Alexis.   See Washington Post story online.

The two officials spoke Monday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.   One of those officials says Alexis was a 34-year-old from Texas. He is believed to have a criminal record there and to be a holder of a concealed carry weapon permit.

That official says Alexis is believed to have gotten into the Navy Yard by using someone else’s identification card. It is not yet clear if that individual was an accomplice or if that person’s ID card was stolen.  Senate officials say no one is being allowed in or out of Senate buildings while authorities search for a potential second suspect in the Navy Yard shootings.

Senate Sergeant at Arms Terrance Gainer said Monday that people could move around the buildings but could not leave or enter. He said he had no information to suggest the Senate, its members or staff were in danger but took the step out of an abundance of caution.

The House remained open. The Washington Nationals have postponed Monday night’s game against the Atlanta Braves following shootings at the nearby Navy Yard.

The game has been rescheduled as part of a day-night doubleheader on Tuesday, the Nationals said.   Washington said the team was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic events that occurred this morning only a few blocks from Nationals Park.”    “Our thoughts and prayers remain with our friends at the Navy Yard and those impacted by today’s incident,” the Nationals added.

President Barack Obama is mourning what he called “yet another mass shooting” in the United States that he says took the life of American patriots.   Obama promised to make sure, quote, “whoever carried out this cowardly act is held responsible.”

He said the victims were “courageous Americans” who knew about the risks of serving overseas, but wouldn’t have expected such “unimaginable violence” at home.   The White House says the president has been receiving frequent briefings about the unfolding situation by senior aides.