The Navy has identified the sailor killed in Monday's shooting at Naval Station Norfolk as Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Mark A. Mayo, 24.
Capt. Robert Clark, Commanding Officer of Naval Station Norfolk, told WAVY-TV that Mayo sacrificed his life for a female sailor in danger:
“He jumped into the way, between the gunman and petty officer of the watch. She fell to the ground. He covered her and gave his life for hers.”
As Home Post previously reported, the incident that took Mayo's life began at approximately 11:20 p.m. on Monday evening. The suspect, a civilian truck driver, tried to board the USS Mahan, which is docked at Naval Station Norfolk.
The USS Mahan's petty officer of the watch confronted the suspect, and a struggle ensued. When Mayo realized what was happening, he came to assist the petty officer of the watch. The suspect then shot and killed Mayo.
The Associated Press reports the suspect used the female sailor's weapon to kill Mayo:
Navy officials have said there’s no indication the attack was planned or had any link to terrorism. Navy investigators have also said there’s no indication the civilian had a previous relationship with the ship or anyone on it.
Naval Security Forces later shot and killed the suspect, whose name has not yet been released to the public.
As questions remain as to how the civilian truck driver was allowed on base, and why he behaved as he did, Mayo's mother and brother spoke with WAVY-TV about their loss:
