Chattanooga shooting investigation

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF) – Now that both federal and local law enforcement have released new information about the shooting that killed four marines and injured several people including a Chattanooga police officer, the public is learning more about Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez and his encounter with authorities.

During a press conference, Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher talked about Abdulazeez encounter with officers; an encounter that began after Abdulazeez drove away from the military recruiting office after shooting at it.

"Chattanooga police officers immediately began following and chasing that vehicle between the first and second location,” Fletcher said.

The second location was a military training center which is less than 10 miles from the recruiting office.

"Eventually officers encountered the suspect at the second location. That suspect soon made his intent; his cowardly homicidal intent clear," Fletcher said.

Authorities said Abdulazeez got into a shootout with officers; an exchange in gunfire that resulted in one officer being shot. Authorities also said he was also heavily armed and ready for battle.

"He was wearing what we consider a load barring vest. It was a vest that he able to cary additional magazines of ammunition while he moved around on foot," said FBI Special Agent Ed Rinehard.

Addulazeez used that ammo to gun down four defenseless marines before being shot and killed himself. Authorities are investigating this as an act of terrorism. But there’s confusion about whether Addulazeez was inspired by ISIS.

Two hours before the press conference in Chattanooga, Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul gave a public statement at U.S. Central Command in Tampa.

"My judgement and my experience is that this was an ISIS inspired attack. And it has been open as a terrorism investigation by the FBI which is very significant," said McCaul.

But when News 12 asked Rinehard if his agency confirmed the attack to be ISIS inspired, the answer contradicted the statement by McCaul.

"No, we are not confirming that. What we are saying is that it’s a possibility that we will explore just like any other possibility. At this time, we have no indication he was inspired by or directed by anyone other than himself," Rinehard said.

Addulazeez’s cell phone and computer were reportedly flown to Washington where forensic investigators will review every piece of data on those electronics to shed light on Addulazeez’s motive for killing.