WASHINGTON — A shooting at a Coast Guard recruiting station in Northern Virginia is connected to a string of similar incidents at military-related buildings, the FBI said Wednesday. FBI spokeswoman Lindsay Godwin said ballistics tests concluded that the same gun was used in the first four shootings, and preliminary test results also link the latest shooting. The Coast Guard incident was reported Tuesday. No one has been injured in any of the shootings.
No details about the type or caliber of weapon have been released. But investigators previously have said it appeared that the shots were fired from a high-powered rifle.
An unknown gunman first took aim on the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va. in mid-October. At least 10 rounds hit the building.
A few days later, five to seven shots were fired at the Pentagon. The gunman next shot at a Marine Corps recruiting station in Chantilly, Va., before again targeting the museum, which is associated with the Quantico Marine Base.
Last week the FBI said investigators believed one shooter was responsible for all of the incidents and may have a grievance with the Marine Corps.
John Perren, the acting assistant director for the Washington field office, said investigators believed the gunman may take issue with the institution of the Marines, but not those in uniform.
Perren said the shooter has made efforts to ensure sure no one has been hurt, firing on the buildings at night, and authorities don't believe he wants to harm anyone.
Local and state authorities in Virginia are helping in the investigation.