Sergeant Charged in Camp Liberty Shootings

As this WaPo story reports, "Sgt. John M. Russell, of the 54th Engineer Battalion, has been charged in the shooting that killed five service members at a combat stress clinic" at Camp Liberty, Baghdad on Monday. Russell is charged with five counts of murder and one count of aggravated assault. More facts about the incident can be found in this Navy Times report. When we see the charge sheet or official press release we'll post a link.

According to the story, Major General David Perkins told the WaPo that "Russell's commanders in recent days had asked him to seek counseling. Out of concern for his welfare, they took the rare measure of taking his weapon away." The WaPo said such measures are typically reserved for "soldiers exhibit violent or suicidal behavior." The AP report, here, has some more background on Sgt. Russell.