Navy Yard Shooting Suspect Never Reached Out for Mental Health Care, VA Says
The Department of Veterans Affairs has released a statement about the health records of Aaron Alexis, the man who earlier this week opened fire in the U.S. Navy Yard located in southeast Washington D.C. 12 people were killed.
The VA statement revealed that Alexis never sought treatment for mental health.
"According to VA records, he never sought an appointment from a mental health specialist, and had previously either canceled or failed to show up for primary care appointments and claims evaluations examinations he had scheduled at VA medical centers," the VA said in a statement.
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He did get medical attention for insomnia, but nothing else.
"Aaron Alexis received treatment on August 23, 2013, when he visited the emergency room at the VA Medical Center in Providence, R.I., complaining of insomnia. After a medical examination, he was given a small amount of medication to help him sleep and was instructed to follow up with a primary care provider," the statement reads.
Alexis actually returned to the hospital once more a few days later, again for insomnia.
"On August 28, he went to the emergency room at the VA Medical Center in Washington, D.C., to request a medication refill and attributed his insomnia to his work schedule. He was given a small refill and was instructed to follow up with a primary care provider," the VA's statement said.
During his doctor visits for insomnia, Alexis responded that he was not thinking of harming others.
"On both occasions, Mr. Alexis was alert and oriented, and was asked by VA doctors if he was struggling with anxiety or depression, or had thoughts about harming himself or others, all of which he denied," the statement said.
