Chattanooga Gunman Was Not on Terrorism Radar: Officials

The gunman who opened fire on two military centers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Thursday, killing four Marines and critically wounding a Navy sailor, was not in any federal terrorism database and was not under investigation before he carried out the rampage, several officials told NBC News.

Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez, 24, was killed after a shootout with police during the assault which began at a Marine recruiting station and ended at a Marine and Naval reserve center seven miles away, where the soldiers were slain, authorities said. It is unclear if the Kuwait-born Abdulazeez was killed by police or if he killed himself.

A motive in the attack was unclear but the FBI is investigating a blog that may provide some clues. According to the SITE Intelligence Group, Abdulazeez posted three days before the rampage that "life is short and bitter" and the Muslims should not let "the opportunity to submit to Allah ... pass you by." The blog has not been confirmed by NBC News. Law enforcement officials said there are "indications" it may have been ISIS-inspired, but declined to be specific.

Chattanooga Shooting
AP
In this frame from video, law enforcement officers detain a woman as they surround a house in Hixson, Tenn., Thursday, July 16, 2015.
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