Grandmother Worries About Fort Hood Soldier

Last Update: 11/06/2009 1:15 am

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Army Soldier's Family Relieved

MASON CITY, IA---A North Iowa grandmother is relieved to hear her loved one is okay after a military authorities said a soldier opened fire at Fort Hood on Thursday.

The gunfire killed 12 people and wounded 31 others.

Authorities wounded the gunman who is identified as Nidal Malik Hasan.

Leanne Rand's of Mason City confirmed her grandson Christopher Hassler is at the Fort Hood Army post in Fort Hood, Texas.

She found out about the shooting when her mother called Thursday afternoon.

A few hours later, Christopher sent a text message to his family to tell them he's okay.

Rand said the shooting is reminding her of the danger her grandson is putting himself in, in the future, "I just texted him, I'm glad you're okay grandson, because I love you. That was it, I was scared because, I kept thinking, when he goes overseas, you know."

Rand said she talked to Christopher 3 days ago.

She asked him to send new photos of himself in uniform and after this, she'll make sure he follows through.

Meanwhile, a cousin of the man suspected of opening fire said his family is shocked and
saddened by the tragedy.

Nader Hasan of Falls Church, Virginia, said in a statement issued late Thursday that he and his family are filled with grief for the families of the victims.

In his statement he said that Nidal Hasan's family knows little about what happened, but that they want to send "our most heartfelt sympathies" to the families of the victims.

He also said that Hasan was raised in America, and that his family loves and is proud
of their country.

Law enforcement officials said he came to their attention at least six months ago because of Internet postings about suicide bombings, although it's not certain that Hasan is the author.

A fellow officer told Fox News Hasan fought his deployment to Iraq and argued with soldiers who supported U.S. Wars.

Military officials said the 39-year-old Army major was shot four times during Thursday's rampage and is on a ventilator and unconscious.

Military officials say the 39-year-old Army major was shot four times during today's rampage and is on a ventilator and unconscious.

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