Family of Chattanooga Shooter Expresses Horror, Grief

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) - The family of the man who authorities say killed four Marines and sailor in Chattanooga said in a statement that their son suffered from depression and was not the son they knew.
 
"There are no words to describe our shock, horror, and grief," said the statement, provided Saturday to the Associated Press by a lawyer representing the family of Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez. "The person who committed this horrible crime was not the son we knew and loved. For many years, our son suffered from depression. It grieves us beyond belief to know that his pain found its expression in this heinous act of violence."
 
"We understand there are many legitimate questions that need to be answered," the statement said. "Having said this, now is the time to reflect on the victims and their families, and we feel it would be inappropriate to say anything more other than that we are truly sorry for their loss."
 
The family added that they are cooperating with the investigation.
 
In Chattanooga, a city that prides itself on strong ties between people of different faiths, some Muslims feared the community's perception of them had changed after the shooting rampage Thursday.

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