Fort Hood Shooting Update: Family Of Ivan Lopez Releases Statement; 'My Son Must Not Have Been In His Right Mind'

On Wednesday April 2, Puerto Rican soldier Ivan Lopez killed three soldiers and wounded 16 others; then went on to kill himself. He opened fire at Fort Hood in Texas. His father, Ivan Lopez, sr. said that his son “must not have been in his right mind.” The shooter’s father said in a statement "This situation has caused great pain. I ask for prayers for the affected families, even more so when there is still an ongoing investigation. My son must not have been in his right mind. He wasn't like that."

The statement was released by Glidden Lopez Torres, a family spokesperson. The Lopez family lives in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico where Ivan Jr. once worked as a police officer. The father said his son was a calm family man and a good son who defended his nation. He also added in the statement that his son "was under medical treatment and the passing of his mother, his grandfather and the recent changes when transferring to the base surely affected his existing condition."

Below is the statement released by the Lopez family and also a video of some family members in Puerto Rico speaking out. The video is in Spanish:

Facing the tragedy that occurred on April 2 in Fort Hood, TX, the family of the Puerto Rican soldier Iván López is concerned and asks for prayers for those affected and deceased by the unfortunate incidents. Iván López, father of the soldier, is still in shock and described his son as a calm family man, a young worker who always looked out for the well-being of his home and a good son.

"This situation has caused great pain. I ask for prayers for the affected families, even more so when there is still an ongoing investigation. My son must not have been in his right mind, he wasn't like that," said Iván López, Sr.

As an active soldier he defended the nation and received medals. He also worked honorably as a policeman on the island. According to his father, the soldier was under medical treatment and the passing of his mother, his grandfather and the recent changes when transferring to the base surely affected his existing condition because of his experiences as a soldier. No more comments shall be made during the investigation conducted by authorities.

-López Family