Tulsa Military Recruiting Centers Open For Business Following Fatal Attacks

Local recruiting centers are putting in extra security measures after four Marines were shot and two others were injured Thursday by a gunman in Chattanooga. 

Friday, July 17th 2015, 12:44 pm

By: News On 6


Tulsa's military recruiting offices opened Friday, despite the shootings Thursday at a recruiting office and a reserve training center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Four marines died in the shooting at the reserve center; a Marine recruiter and a police officer were also wounded.

The Kuwaiti-born gunman, Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez died after being shot by police.

The FBI is investigating whether he had ties to terrorist groups.

7/16/2015 Related Story: Four Marines Killed In Attacks On Chattanooga Military Facilities

Staffers at Tulsa’s Military recruiting offices are also being especially aware after the Tennessee shooting.

Friday afternoon, Governor Mary Fallin authorized Oklahoma's adjutant general to arm certain full-time personnel at Oklahoma National Guard centers and Guard recruiting offices as he sees fit.

The U.S. Armed Forces Recruiting office in south Tulsa is also dealing with Thursday’s shooting. It was open Friday and kept the doors locked, but that didn’t stop two recruits from signing up.

Robbin Williams and her son Stephen headed into the Armed Forces Career Center. They said they couldn't believe someone would attack a recruiting center.

"It's a horrible thing that happened," Robbin said.

Stephen graduated from Broken Arrow a year ago and is looking at a career with the Air Force.

"I think it's terrible somebody would come in do that. People are just evil," he said.

A federal prosecutor is investigating the Chattanooga shootings as an act of terrorism. Investigators said after Abdulazeez shot at the recruitment offices, he then drove to a Navy reserve, center killing four marines.

Recruit Andrew Pranger said the attack on America's military is one reason why he wants to serve our country.

"As long as there's still people going to be out there, still has to be someone that's going to stand up and fight for what this country was founded for and what it still should stand for," he said.

Pranger's family is right there behind him.

"He's decided to make that choice to step up and help defend this nation with the rest of us," said Andrew’s father, Jim.

He wants to make sure the men and women who work in the offices can defend themselves.

"I wish that the military, and maybe our elected officials, would look a little deeper at places like this; and maybe after this attack giving these gentlemen, (recruiters) maybe, armed support," Jim Pranger said.

The Army Chief of Staff said they will review security at all recruiting and reserve offices across the country.

The military recruiters in Tulsa couldn't comment on the Chattanooga shooting, but the Marines here are offering up their support to the families of the four killed.

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