Military hasn't given details on Marine's shooting death in D.C. barracks
A Marine died on New Year's Day after being shot while on duty at the Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., the Marine Corps said in a statement. Other than saying he died from a gunshot wound, the military did not provide details about his death and said the incident is under investigation.
An official, however, said it is being treated as an accidental discharge of a weapon by another Marine, CBS News national security correspondent David Martin reported.
On Wednesday, the Marine Corps identified the Marine who was killed as 20-year-old Lance Cpl. Riley S. Kuznia from Karlstad, Minnesota. Earlier, his mother reported his death on Facebook, CBS affiliate WUSA reported.
"With broken hearts we lost a loving son, cherished brother and dedicated Marine," wrote Markelle Kuznia. "We appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayer during this difficult time! Please use his Facebook account to share all the amazing memories you shared with this goofy kid. Semper fidelis!"
With broken hearts we lost a loving son, cherished brother and dedicated Marine. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and...
Posted by Markelle Kuznia on Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Markelle Kuznia told The Associated Press that Riley Kuznia was her son and that "he felt it was his duty" to join the Marines. She said the military has not given details about his death.
The Marine Corps said Kuznia's personal decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He was the team leader for Guard Company while stationed at the Barracks.
"We are truly saddened by this terrible loss," Col. Don Tomich, commanding officer of Marine Barracks, said in a statement Wednesday. "Riley was a highly driven and goal-oriented Marine whose positive attitude set the example here at the Barracks."