On December 6, 2019, a Saudi military trainee opened fire against American soldiers at the Pensacola Naval Air Station (NAS). The terrorist attack resulted in the death of three U.S. Navy sailors. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has passed a resolution ahead of the fifth anniversary of the incident. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Katie Britt (R-AL), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) co-sponsored the resolution.
Sen. Scott released a statement regarding the anniversary of the tragic event.
“Today, on the fifth anniversary of the tragic shooting at NAS Pensacola that senselessly took the lives of three brave Americans—Joshua Kaleb Watson, Mohammed Haitham and Cameron Walters—we honor their service and life dedicated to serving and protecting our country," said Sen. Scott. "Every day, they are missed by their friends, family, and all who knew them."
He continued, stating that the terrorist attack "never should have happened."
"The entire Pensacola community was forever changed that day following the tragic news. This act of terror never should have happened, and following the attack, I fought for significant reform through my Secure U.S. Bases Act that became law. I will never stop working to make sure our bases are safe and this never happens again. I want to thank my colleagues for standing in solidarity and remembering and honoring the lives that were taken far too soon on that tragic day five years ago," concluded Sen. Scott.
In 2020, Scott pushed for the inclusion of the Secure U.S. Bases Act in the National Defense Authorization Act to "reform and improve foreign military student training programs" following the terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola. The legislation requires a thorough vetting process before a foreign student enters the U.S., requires foreign students to follow rules established by U.S. Base Commanders and vastly improves the security of our military installations, service members, their families and the surrounding communities.
Furthermore, Sen. Tuberville added, “Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson is a hero who showed incredible courage in the face of terrorism on Dec. 6, 2019. His bravery and quick action saved countless lives on a tragic day for our nation. Ensign Watson’s sacrifice showcases the very best of American patriotism, and Alabama is proud to call him one of ours. It’s an honor to help introduce this resolution every year to help keep his memory alive. Today, we remember him, and pray for his loved ones who still grieve his loss.”
