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Subscribe to RSSChris Kyle survived several tours of duty in Iraq, becoming the military's most deadly sniper, only to be shot and killed at a Glen Rose, Tex., shooting range over the weekend along with friend Chad Littlefield. Police have arrested a suspect, Eddie Lee Routh, a former Marine. NBC's Lester Holt reports.
The former top Navy SEAL sniper who authorities say was killed at a Texas shooting range was devoted to maintaining camaraderie and helping his fellow veterans find their way after leaving active duty.
Chris Kyle, author of the best-selling book "American Sniper," and his friend Chad Littlefield apparently were doing just that Saturday when, officials say, they were shot and killed by former Marine Eddie Ray Routh.
Kyle, 38, had left the Navy in 2009 after four tours of duty in Iraq, where he earned a reputation as one of the military's most lethal snipers. But he quickly found a way to maintain contact with his fellow veterans and pass on what had helped him work through his own struggles. By late 2011, he filed the paperwork to establish the nonprofit FITCO Cares, which received its nonprofit status the following spring, said FITCO director Travis Cox.
"Chris struggled with some things," Cox said. "He'd been through a lot and he handled it with grace, but yeah he did struggle with some things. And he found a healthy outlet and was proactive in his approach to deal with those issues and wanted to help spread his healing, what worked for him, to others. And that's what he died doing."
For Kyle that healthy outlet was exercise. At the heart of FITCO was giving in-home fitness equipment to physically and emotionally wounded veterans, as well as families who had lost a veteran, Cox said.
Littlefield, a 35-year-old friend and neighbor, was Kyle's "workout buddy," and also volunteered his time to work with veterans, Cox said. He was married and had children as well.
"He's a very gentle, sweet-hearted man, just a great man, kind of quiet," Cox said of Littlefield. "He just really cared. ... He wanted to do whatever he could to help veterans and help see that vision of serving others that Chris had. He shared that vision with all of us. He was a great man."
Cox said he understood that Kyle and Littlefield were helping Routh work through his own PTSD, but that he did not know how they came into contact. He said it was not a FITCO session.
Erath County Sheriff Tommy Bryant on Sunday offered a similar description of the situation.
"It's my understanding that the suspect may have been suffering from some type of mental illness from being in the military himself," he said of Routh.
He said Routh's mother may have reached out to Kyle for help with her son.
"We kind of have an idea that maybe that's why they were at the range for some type of therapy that Mr. Kyle assists people with," Bryant said.
A Marine allegedly turned his gun on two friends – including Chris Kyle, a celebrated Navy SEAL – at a gun range on Saturday. NBC's Lester Holt reports.
Bryant didn't know whether Routh was on any medication or whether he had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Authorities say the three men arrived at the Rough Creek Lodge southwest of Fort Worth around 3:15 p.m. Saturday. A hunting guide discovered the bodies of Kyle and Littlefield around 5 p.m. and called 911.
Routh allegedly left in Kyle's pickup and went to his sister's in Midlothian. He told what he had done and left. She called police and Routh was eventually found at his home in Lancaster. After a short pursuit he was arrested.
Routh was being held on $3 million bail in the Erath County Jail. Authorities said they believed he had requested a court-appointed attorney. Calls to his home were not answered Sunday.
Kyle was also president of a security training firm Craft International. Craft had scheduled a $2,950-per-person civilian training event at Rough Creek Lodge called the "Rough Creek Shoot Out!" for March 1-3. The price included lodging, meals and shooting instruction. Kyle was scheduled to teach the first class, called "precision rifle."
But the work with veterans through FITCO was Kyle's passion, Cox said.
FITCO Cares offered life coaching for veterans, a daily support group and weekly group counseling. Sometimes veterans in other states would video conference in to counseling sessions, Cox said.
Kyle was always recognized at events, but would deflect attention to other veterans, quickly introducing and praising those around him.
"That camaraderie is usually missed once the veteran gets out of the military," said Cox, himself a former Marine sniper. "The authentic relationships that you develop in the military, especially overseas and in combat are some of the most meaningful, authentic relationships that one can have and it's missed. And so we tried to create a means through this group of veterans that can gather and talk about things that they're dealing with."
"He (Kyle) didn't have any fear at all as far as working with an extreme case," Cox said. "Just like in combat he would take it on head on and do whatever he could to give these guys assistance. There was no fear in helping anyone that may have an extreme case. He was willing to help anyone in need."
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This guy was an American hero. He risked his life so all you self-righteous twits can "collapse" all the comments of those who respect him and honor his sacrifices for us. If he and hundreds of thousands like him hadn't fought for us, we wouldn't have the right to sit comfortably and enjoy the right to "collapse" anybody's comments.
So....collapse this. The truth is still the truth.
He volunteered to serve his country and that should be appreciated by all. I do question his need to write a book to broadcast his exploits involved in killing people. And I question his judgement in exposing himself to mentally unstable individuals with guns.
what did he do that was so heroric- kill peope
Cursing a man for defending his nation and praising his killer,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,democrats in action.
To: odb2
In the past two centuries + we have been very fortunate that brave men and women answered the call to take up arms to protect your right to say whatever you want, and very often it has meant to take a life. Imagine history rewritten if we had not gone to war when needed to protect our way of life? Walk a mile in my/our boots and get a true perspective of what the military does.
thank you for your service I also walked in those boots for 20 years and one month yea I probably killed babies and innocents also does it make me feel like a hero? and did I go around and write books and brag about my exploits? Nope
odb2, using a condom is not actually "killing babies".
Judging by the number of typos in your post, we have to thank you for not writing a book on your "exploits".
Iraq NEVER posed a threat to the U.S. The ''Bush/Cheney War'' was a ''smokescreen'' to settle old scores i.e., Saddam Hussein tried to murder my (''W's'') Daddy ; Iraq was ''responsible'' for the events of 9/11; Iraq adamantly refused ''the friendship and protection'' of the U.S., etc. The same sort of rhetoric that got the U.S. embroiled in Vietnam-lest the world fall victim to ''godless'' communism (Lyndon Baines Johnson).
Did Chris Kyle start the war?
Just wondering if the average lowbrow dummiecrat understands that the average serviceman did not provoke war, nor start war and should not be blamed for the war.
For those of you that have never heard the crack of bullets going past your head or experienced an explosion that lifts an armored vehicle off the ground, killing and maiming your friends inside, you wouldn't understand how horrible combat is. It affects every one of us in a different way and there is no magic instant cure-all for those that are having a difficult time adjusting afterwards. These two great men were trying to make a difference in the lives of returning vets that had experienced just too much for them to handle at this point in their lives. All of us should be saddened that their efforts were cut short.
Kill 160 people Karma is looking for you. "Live By The Gun Die By The Gun"
You are a Marxist..Chinese Food..
Won-Dum_Puk
rank, there is no telling how many soldiers Chris Kyle saved while executing his specialty. He is a true patriot and an American Hero.
dbcooperlives:
You're a real American cowboy through and through.
So sad. I read his book last year and was so impressed with Chris and his fellow Marines. All of them doing their duty to the best of their ability. And now he is dead. I so wanted to blame this on the NRA as they do have so much blood on their hands, but I just can't this time. Those young men and women we have over there should never have so many rotations over there. It's too much for any one person to handle. Chris seemed to be handling it well, but so many are not.
John, did he express remorse for killing so many? Even against enemy, killing another human being is like killing the whole humanity. The one that have any humanity left in him will definitely suffer mentally. It is ashame that war had to happened, there was no winner and only loser.
Why would be "express remorse" for serving his nation and saving the lives of his fellow servicemen?
Did you feel remorse when you voted for an idiot who is bankrupting the nation with massive welfare programs for president?
He may be an excellent sniper, that does not make him a national hero. Of the 150 odd "militants" he killed, how many were actually civilians.
A "civilian" with a gun is a militant.
Terrorists the world over thank you for the support. No need to wonder where Hitler got his brownshirts from,,,,,,,,,,,ehhhhh Henrich?
Did you lay away at night listening to Dad's stories of loading those pesky Jews into the trains?
Give us a great big,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,HEIL Obama!!!!
A civlian without a gun is a civilian.Period.
How can you be sure all killed had carried guns.
It wouldn't be surprised if those killed by the sniper include women and children but wrongly identified as militant from the sniper's scope.
If you have PROOF that counters anything this man has said, anything written in "after action" reports compiled by people on the ground or anything the rebukes video from drones, by all means post it.
Your argument is typical of a left-wing idiot.
You have no proof and you are blinded by hate for America.
Most soldiers are far more ethical than the typical leftist crapbag, like yourself. Given a choice to needlessly harm an innocent or to minimize casualties, they go the extra mile to save civilians.
You blame them because you know how you would act. You are scum and you project your values onto others.
If you have proof, show us.
Yeah, just like the trump up charges of Bay of Tonkin incident showing how credible was the "after action" report, or how credible was the WMD report on Iraq.
Only scum and idiot will make the naming calling to cover his inadequacy and child mentality.
Speaking of scum,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,SCUM is the kind of person who accuses a person of "war crimes" with no proof and then starts crying when he is called out on it.
Come on little Brown Shirt, instead of strutting around with your Obama arm band shouting, "Heil Obama!" Tell us where you got the war crimes info.
We need armed guards at shooting ranges as well as gas stations and nail parlors !!!!!!!
I would say that this unfortunate fool probably got what was coming to him. Killing is never right, and has it's consequences, and when you boast about it, the odds are definitely stacked against you.
Those that live by the sword, will always die by the sword. This concept is as old as Methuselah. Those that think otherwise deserve their fate.
"Killing is never right."
So we know that you are not evolved enough to protect your life or the lives of those around you. Some would consider this a good thing.
Jerry, how deep. Truly an educated man. Can we meet somewhere and talk about fate?
Dolphins kill sharks all the time.
Lions kill impala.
Dogs do not like cats and occasionally kill them.
You should wander into the wilderness and spread your wisdom to the bears and wolves.
Here is a concept as old as Methuselah,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Everyone who meets Jerry Howe thinks he is a complete idiot.
paidmyfee:
Obviously you're another man with a small penis, an assault weapon, and a member of the glorious GOP.
Aren't you supposed to be "talking about fate" in a truck stop bathroom with Dejesus?
@ Jerry Howe
You know, I wish I was one of those truly snarky people that come up with witty put downs, but I am not.
So I will simply say this. My guess is you are one of these "Anti War" types. Am I right? As I surmise from your post, you make no distinction between those on the battle field. It would seem you equate what this man did, (actually saving the lives of many Americans, by killing those who would Kill Americans, for a spot in "their" heaven) to murder. Even though it could easily be argued it was self defense. It was a war after all. And rightly or wrongly, he was put into that position by the politicians we elected. And he also chose to place himself in harms way, to defend the freedoms you take for granted. So feel free to belittle this brave man from the comfort and anonymity of your key board.
But let me ask you this, if the cost of fighting for one's freedom is high, what is the cost of not fighting?
DumbFarmBoy,
Your point was well stated. I am a supporter of soldiers that protect our liberty and freedom.
I believe in wars that are just and necessary.
I am not a supporter of someone who boasts and is capitalizing on how many people he has assassinated.
That is not a noble warrior.
I also believe that guns should have no part in a civilized society.
Jerry Howe
Then tell me how you feel about the war in Afghanistan. Was it a justified war? Did they or did they not help those that attacked us?
I also believe that guns should have no part in a civilized society.
Then am I correct to presume you dwell in a fairly large urban area? Are therefore completely unaware of the needs of those of us who live in more rural areas inhabited by wild creatures who do not always recognize us as humans and therefore off the menu? Guns are not always used in defense against burglars and criminals. In the south east there are host of poisonous snakes, alligators and wild hogs. In the north and west there are bears, cougars, and wolves. Here in the mid west (all over really) there is a large population of deer. How would you suggest we control the deer population? import wolves?
And let us not forget the prime reason of the 2nd Amendment, protection from those who govern us.
No, until we evolve from Homo-Sapiens to Homo-Equalitous-Sanitous, guns will always be needed as a defense against those who would cause us harm.
If he is found guilty, then he needs to be shot by a Marine Corp. firing squad. I'll buy the bullets.
why don't have the guts to pull the trigger yourself
No problem, the line will be long and they would all be volunteers.
Defending a killer and cursing a decorated vet,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,sign of a true democrat.
I'd pull the trigger
odb, step up there and light his last cigarette. We'll wait.
DeJesus:
Obviously you're a man with a small penis, an assault weapon, and a member of the glorious GOP.
Jerry, you're obviously another penis length expert. I am a member of absolutely nothing at the moment. And I have three "assault weapons" according to you, Piers, and Feinstein. Now THERE'S a group to be proud of.
Dejesus:
As time passes, It becomes harder for me to believe that we live in the same country. Your viewpoint of Diane Feinstein is absolutely unimaginable
One can only hope, Pee Wee.
As tempting as many of us may want to be resentful as we invainly struggle to render some kind of appropriate or therapeutic justice for this killing, it seems that Routh was as much a victim as Kyle was. Kyle's devotion to helping fellow soldiers compelled him to be in close proximity to potentially emotional and psychologically unpredictable human beings. Great were his risks....and rewards.
But not as great as our collective hopelessness and bewilderment in the search for understanding. For civil justice is not the remedy or panacea! We can find no more solace in anger, relaliations, or quick cures as we can find it in easy recrimiinations and lunatic labels. Our search for answers will be forever fleeting. --But, is this not who we are? Our only true salvation is forgiveness...
Sorry but it doesnt work that way. Yes he has issues but he killed someone that was trying to help him. Unforgivable!
A good lawyer will probably get this guy off by using PTSD as his defense.
Ever been to Texas?
A hand written note from God won't help.
It would seem fairly obvious to me that taking a man who has lost his grip on reality and having mental issues due to the death and misery of war to a gun range to relax is a terrible idea.
Maybe a park, fitness trail, or museum, something different and removed from guns and violence would help.
But those who love guns apparently see them as a way to relax and get away from all that death and destruction. A real way to find a safe haven in a scary world.
I have come to believe the only reasonable solution to the gun problem in the US is:
1. Background checks...no loopholes or exceptions...
2:Armed guards at schools and other public places.....funded by a National Protect Our Schools Lottery
3:Increased funding for mental health screenings,treatment,and medications.
Banning weapons simply won't work. There are too many out there and too many law abiding citizens want them.
We cannot solve all the problems created by the wrong people possessing guns,but we can mitigate the damage that is currently being done. BTW...arming teachers is insane.Many teachers are either untrained or unfit to carry weapons and the liability issues to school districts is prohibitive. Teachers teach and police police.
This incident that happened with the ex-marine sniper is tragic....but I doubt any law could have prevented it...better personal judgment,yes ...but not restrictions on legal shooting.
How about arresting criminals who use guns and locking them up for as long as the current laws allow?
I wonder,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,why democrats NEVER want to lock criminals up?
After all,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Criminals cause crime. 99.999% of law abiding gun owners do not and yet democrats always focus on them and ignore criminals.
As we speak, the democrats are praising a killer and cursing a decorated combat veteran who saved countless American lives as a murderer.
I find it sickening.
No paid. Real Americans are sick and tired of violence with guns. The Republican/NRA ilk are against even the simplest measure - background checks and here you are spouting off just how much you love America when in fact you are just in love with your gun.
I've posted many times IMO that if you are CONVICTED of 1st / 2nd degree murder, rape or child molestation you should pay with your life. ONE appeal. Simple and effective
Do you know who is "violent with guns"?
I understand you are to stupid to actually ask that question, but I will waste a second and tell you anyway.
CRIMINALS
Criminals do not obey laws,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,that is why they are called, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,"CRIMINALS"!!!!
What is more tragic,,,,,,,,,,,,,,the fact people like guns?
OR the fact you are a flaming moron, utterly incapable of reasoned thought?
http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2011/crime-in-the-u.s.-2011/index-page
Here is another link you are to stupid to click.
It has information that would help you understand exactly why you are a flaming idiot.
75% of all gun related crime is committed by CRIMINALS and 75% of all those killed in this nation are CRIMINALS.
CRIMINALS kill nearly 10 TIMES MORE people with their hands as they do with "assault rifles".
In closing, CRIMINALS is the word of the day my incredibly ignorant friend,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,aim a law at CRIMINALS and then imprison a CRIMINAL some time.
You "are sick of gun violence"
We (those of us who are honest, law-abiding and tax paying) are sick of idiots like you constantly proposing stupid ideas that will not work for the sake of watching your gums flap.
We do want to lock them up if you would quit giving them guns it wpould be easier
Actually, 100% of gun crimes are done by criminals because as the crime happens you are a criminal.
We are sick of every nut getting a gun aided by soldiers like this guy.
Anyone dumb enough to take a PTSD patient to a gun shoot is a moron.
Coopster-
For the MILLIONTH time, I AM the NRA and we are FOR background checks!!!!! There has been one in place for the last 25 years! I've taken it many times, passed it every time, purchased many firearms, AND I HAVE NEVER KILLED ANYONE. Stop blindly believing what these ridiculous "news" sites tell you.
This is heartbreaking, we lost a true American Hero. The first thing that pops into all of our heads is "don't give a gun to a PTSD patient" but we can't blame Chris. He was trying to reach out and help his brothers the best way he knew how, unfortunately it turned out horrible. I am not even sure we can blame it all on PTSD, and I hope he pays the full price for he did and not use an insanity plea.
anyone else find it ironic live by the gun and die by it
He actually DROVE to the range and is an owner of a high powered automobile.
I guess he "lived by the car and died by the car".
Wishing a decorated serviceman dead while praising his killer,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Only a democrat.
Paid. What a moronic statement. Really?
If I gave your mother $250 bucks maybe she could abort you?
The "shoot to kill" law would then be the rule instead of the exception. People like Zimmerman would be praised, protected and defended. The vigilante law would be non-existent. It would indeed be the "kiss of death" anytime some supposedly threatened "law abiding citizen" nervously walks up to you and say, "Do you believe in Jesus? Well, you're gonna meet em'". In this this type of land of lawlessness, you would literally have to cross on the other side of the street as not to inadvertantly frighten somebody or you might get shot.
So no matter how many guns they sell. No matter how many deaths that occur. No matter how many excuses they give. It will always be the same mantra: GUNS DON'T KILL; PEOPLE DO.
Many mentally ill people really don't mind assaulting or killing you if you rub them the wrong way because they know that they are protected under the law. They know that they will only spend so much time in jail because they know that they will always be able to use their free "get out of jail" card when they need it.
So the more and more average "sane" Americans are killed by someone with a mental condition, and then get off free after serving some time in a mental ward, the question will then be: How do we effectively deter the criminally insane person from killing. What will be adequate punishment?
Cause let's face it. We will never prevent or dissuade the mentally ill from killing. More strict gun laws won't help much. Their minds go where the wind blow. You "piss em off". They blow off your head. Whataya gonna do?!
The second amendment does not trump my right to be safe and secure from guns.
If these guns are not brought under control I suspect vigilantiism will rule.
Like drunk driving, the way I figure it is you drive drunk and hurt my family there will be only one court case, mine for doing a Hatfield on your McCoy rear end.
If your kids steals your gun and hurts my family.you will pay and I dod not mean a court case.
So, buy those guns and let them hang loose and get stolen
God, Guns and Guts is what made this country free. Just be grateful that rough men stand watch while you sleep peacefully at night.
Something is just not right with this story. What a terrible shame that 2 men, military or not are gone too soon. I come from a large lifelong military family. What I don't get is the author wrote his story which is not the norm for military to do especially after the intense service he had. Why report and brag that you are the best killer, so good a bounty was placed on you? That just seems so wrong and top it off by taking a person who was unstable, knew he was unstable to a location that nobody was there for about 3 hours to find the bodies. Just makes no sense at all the way it has been rported. RIP
Have any of you read this "hero's" book? He was dehumanized by our wonderful Department of War and psychologically turned into a lone killer who enjoyed and bragged about killing even Muslim women standing with their children doing absolutely nothing wrong. He loved to kill and didn't give a God Damn if the person he just killed was in fact a terrorist... all he cared about was sitting in his camouflage outfit hiding so no one could see him and killing people. He more than likely even killed a few children along the way. He needed the target practice.
Justice?
Sorry to hear about the tragic death of a American patroit Chris Kyle. My condolences to his family and those who had the priviledge to serve with him.
Ok I got it. Next time you want to commit suicide take a mentally ill individual to a firing range and give him a loaded gun to ease his stress. Makes perfectly good sense.
Ronald Hussein Reagan - From what I've seen on TV and read about Mr. Kyle he never looked for accolades for killing people. He did his job to the best of his abilities and he tried to help other vets get through PTSD. His publisher made him disclose the kill count as part of the book deal. Seems like he wanted little recognition for himself, he always diffused praise to other vets. This guy was a true hero.
PB,
From the Connecticut Safely State Police website, Jan 18 ():
STATE OF CONNECTICUT Department of Emergency Services &Public Protection Connecticut State Police Public Information Office1111 Country Club , Connecticut 06457 Contact: 860-685-8230 DESPP.FeedbackReuben Bradford CommissionerColonel Danny R. Stebbin Deputy Commissioner Division of State Police FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 18, 2013
** UPDATE ** STATE POLICE IDENTIFY WEAPONS USED IN SANDY HOOK INVESTIGATION;INVESTIGATION CONTINUES In previous press conferences, the Connecticut State Police clearly identified all of the weapons seized from the crime scene at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
To eliminate any confusion or misinformation, we will again describe and identify the weapons seized at the school crime scene.
Seized inside the school:
#1. Bushmaster .223 caliber-- model XM15-E2S rifle with high capacity 30 round magazine
#2. Glock 10 mm handgun
#3. Sig-Sauer P226 9mm handgun
Seized from suspect’s car in parking lot:
#4. Izhmash Canta-12 12 gauge Shotgun (seized from car in parking lot)
This case remains under investigation.
Lt. J. Paul Vance
...the bolding is mine.
I don't want any bans, but let's stick to the facts. I think that I can saftely believe that the Conn SP are not involved in some conspiracy.
Chris Kyle is a true American Hero. No one can deny that fact.
***NBC NEWS refuses to report that THE PROBLEM IS MUCH BIGGER than just PTSD...it's also the Roche's dangerous anti-malaria drug LARIAM (mefloquine) which is well-known to cause insanity and random acts of violence in our troops...Google it.
NBC NEWS won't mention it because they are part of the corrupt big pharma machine who advertises on their news casts.***
Chasing beautiful women is a passion. Breeding dogs is a passion. Studying to the be the best at what earns your living is a passion. Doing what you can to make the lives of others better is a passion. Shooting guns is a pastime at best.
I wonder also if anyone should question if Mr. Kyle, recovering from PTSD himself, might have been over his head to lead an organization like FITCO that deals with returning vets by providing war-time camaraderie and other war-time environments.
Bringing the war back too close to home is never a good idea. Maybe the original concept of FITCO needs to be reexamined. And maybe also Mr. Kyle got his security training side-job too closely tied to what FITCO was doing.
Regardless, this sad incident should not be looked at as an isolated one and I'm glad to read that people are beginning to look more closely into these returning-vet-friendly shooting ranges.
When you play with the fire, you bound to get burned.
A true reflection of the life of a sniper.
To me it sounds like he got a taste of his own medicine
Here is the classic pile of steaming crap called a liberal.
How in the world do you know that this
is not, like George S. Patton of old, the way that a warrior would
have wanted to go?
You would think that going by a tag
such as “ Both parties are corrupt,” one would be able to see a
statement of pure fact.
My statement makes no judgment other
than what you implied.
The true warrior knows that; ; Today is
a good day to die.” What is all this crying about?