Wisconsin Marine Killed In Chattanooga Rampage
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A decorated Marine from Wisconsin was among those killed in Thursday's shooting rampage in Tennessee.
Sgt. Carson Holmquist grew up in Grantsburg, which is about an hour-and-a-half northeast of the Twin Cities. He had served two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
A patriotic memorial is growing outside the Chattanooga Navy-Marine Recruitment Center where the FBI says 24-year-old Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez killed Holmquist and three other Marines. Abdulazeez was killed by police.
Grantsburg is a town of about 1,300 people, and Holmquist's death is having a huge impact on the community where he grew up. Flags are flying at half-staff at the town's American Legion and at Grantsburg High School, where Holmquist graduated.
Holmquist met his wife in Grantsburg, who is originally from the nearby town of Cushing, Wisconsin.
When he enlisted in 2009, Grantsburg High added his military photo to a wall showcasing all alumni who have served their country.
Josh Watt was his former football coach, and is now the principal at Grantsburg High. He remembers Holmquist as a hard worker who loved the outdoors and always made friends with everyone.
"I remember when Carson came back from boot camp and he walked into the building here and he was dressed in his blues and was so proud of his accomplishments in becoming a Marine," Watt said. "It's something I'll always remember."
Holmquist's wife and young son are still in Tennessee. A vigil for Holmquist is set Friday at 7 p.m. at Grantsburg High.