What Is 2013 Washington Navy Yard shooting

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Washington Navy Yard shooting occurred on September 16, 2013, when Aaron Alexis fatally shot 12 people and injured 8 others at Naval Support Activity Washington in Washington, D.C., before being killed by police.

Key Facts

The shooting took place on September 16, 2013, at Naval Support Activity Washington.
Aaron Alexis killed 12 people and injured 8 others during the attack.
Alexis was a civilian contractor with valid security clearance at the time.
He used a shotgun legally purchased in 2010 and smuggled it into the facility.
The incident ended when Alexis was killed in a gunfight with police after a 45-minute standoff.

Overview

The 2013 Washington Navy Yard shooting was one of the deadliest mass shootings on a U.S. military installation. It took place at Naval Support Activity Washington, a secure military facility in southeast Washington, D.C., primarily housing administrative and support offices.

The attack shocked the nation due to its location on federal property and raised serious concerns about security protocols, mental health screening, and firearm access for civilian contractors. The shooter, Aaron Alexis, had a history of mental health issues and prior encounters with law enforcement.

Aaron Alexis entered Building 197 on September 16, 2013, at approximately 8:15 a.m., armed with a sawed-off Remington 870 shotgun he had legally purchased in 2010.
He had worked as an information technology contractor for The Experts Inc., a subcontractor for Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Services, under a Navy contract.
Despite previous mental health episodes, including a 2011 incident in Seattle where he fired a gun at a hotel, Alexis retained his security clearance.
The attack resulted in 12 fatalities and 8 non-fatal injuries, most of whom were civilian employees or military personnel working in administrative roles.
Law enforcement from multiple agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department and Navy security, responded within minutes, initiating a large-scale lockdown and search operation.

Timeline and Events

The attack unfolded rapidly over a 45-minute period, with critical delays in law enforcement’s ability to locate and neutralize the shooter due to confusion over building access and communication breakdowns.

8:15 a.m.: Aaron Alexis entered Building 197, bypassed security screening, and began firing on employees on the fourth floor.
8:20 a.m.: The first 911 call was made; police arrived within five minutes but initially struggled to locate the shooter due to the building's layout.
8:30 a.m.: Alexis moved to the third floor, where he continued firing and left handwritten notes indicating paranoia about government surveillance.
8:45 a.m.: A SWAT team engaged Alexis in a gunfight near a stairwell; he was fatally shot after exchanging fire with officers.
9:00 a.m.: The building was declared secure; emergency medical personnel began evacuating the injured and confirming fatalities.
Security clearance protocols were immediately reviewed, revealing that Alexis had passed multiple background checks despite documented mental health concerns.

Comparison at a Glance

Key comparisons between the Washington Navy Yard shooting and other major U.S. mass shootings highlight differences in location, victim profile, and response effectiveness.

Incident	Date	Location	Fatalities	Shooter Status
Washington Navy Yard	September 16, 2013	Washington, D.C.	12	Killed by police
Sandy Hook	December 14, 2012	Newtown, CT	26	Committed suicide
Fort Hood	November 5, 2009	Killeen, TX	13	Wounded, later convicted
Virginia Tech	April 16, 2007	Blacksburg, VA	32	Committed suicide
San Bernardino	December 2, 2015	San Bernardino, CA	14	Killed by police

While the Navy Yard shooting had fewer fatalities than some other mass shootings, its occurrence on a military base raised unique concerns about insider threats and access control for civilian personnel. Unlike attacks at schools or public spaces, this incident involved a cleared contractor, underscoring vulnerabilities in personnel vetting.

Why It Matters

The 2013 shooting prompted sweeping reviews of federal security practices, mental health evaluations, and gun control policies, particularly regarding individuals with documented psychological issues who retain firearm access.

The Department of Defense launched a comprehensive review of security clearances, focusing on mental health reporting and follow-up procedures for flagged individuals.
Civilian contractors with access to military facilities came under increased scrutiny, leading to stricter background checks and monitoring protocols.
The incident revealed flaws in inter-agency communication, prompting reforms in how police and military security coordinate during active shooter events.
Advocacy groups used the tragedy to push for gun control legislation, including improved reporting of mental health records to federal databases.
The Navy Yard shooting highlighted the risk of insider threats, where individuals with legitimate access turn violent, a concern that remains central to security planning.
Memorials were established for the victims, and the event remains a case study in crisis response and organizational preparedness for federal agencies.

The Washington Navy Yard shooting serves as a somber reminder of the complexities involved in balancing national security, individual rights, and mental health awareness in high-risk environments.