Navy commander: Motive unknown for Pearl Harbor shooting

HONOLULU (AP) — A Navy commander says the motive is unknown for a Pearl Harbor shooting that left two civilian workers and the attacker dead.

Shipyard commander Capt. Greg Burton made the announcement in an “All Hands” message sent Friday.

“The investigation continues, but there is currently no known motive and no information to indicate the sailor knew any of the victims,” Burton said according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, which obtained a copy of the letter.

Authorities say 22-year-old Gabriel Romero killed Roldan Agustin, 49, and Vincent Kapoi Jr., 30, and wounded Roger Nakamine, 36, who survived the Dec. 4 shooting. Romero’s job was to stand watch and provide security for the fast attack submarine USS Columbia. Burton’s letter did not identify Romero by name, but said an M4 rifle and 9 mm pistol were used in the attack.

Burton also said that Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet submarine commanding officers reviewed screenings for armed watchstanders and reiterated the need for supervisors to continually assess sailors’ fitness for duty to ensure those who pose risks can be identified and addressed.

A copy of Burton’s message was not immediately available, said Lydia Robertson, spokesperson for Navy Region Hawaii. Robertson confirmed that the motive remains unknown, that the M4 and 9 mm pistol were the service weapons used, and that there has been an emphasis on ensuring watchstanders are fit for duty.