A 21-year-old Fort Rucker soldier died on Jan. 10, following an altercation with a fellow soldier at an Alabama military base, according to WDHN.
What led to the fight and the motive hasn’t been revealed. However, it is known that Advanced Individual Training (AIT) Soldier Private Abdul N. Latifu died from the injuries he obtained from the attack.
The alleged attacker’s identity hasn’t been revealed, but he was another AIT soldier. The Army Times reported that the suspected weapon the perpetrator used during the attack was an Army-issued entrenching tool, a short steel folding shovel.
“On behalf of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker, I extend our deepest condolences to Pvt. Latifu’s family, friends, and community,” USAACE and Fort Rucker Commander Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry said. “Together we mourn the loss of a promising young Soldier. Our hearts are with the families and units impacted by the incident, and we are focused on taking care of Soldiers, families, and leaders.”
The alleged attacker is currently detained by the Fort Rucker Department of Public Safety, and the military police and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the incident. Officials ruled out the incident being a hate crime.
According to a statement from the 1-13th Aviation Regiment, training will continue for AIT Soldiers, but Military and Family Live Counselors, behavioral health specialists and Army chaplains are be available “around the clock” for those in need of assistance.
“Our Army family hurts and mourns, but we will heal together and support each other,” the statement read. “Mission focus and accomplishment honors the Army ideals Pvt. Latifu swore to uphold.”
While assigned to the first Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade, AIT Pvt. Latifu, a New York native, was training as an Army Air Traffic Control Operator. The AIT is the second stage of the enlisted initial entry training.
