*A young, Black soldier from New York was killed at an Alabama military base by another soldier earlier this week. 21-year-old Private Abdul N. Latifu had an altercation with another soldier before dying, according to WDHN-TV.
Private Latifu, who has been described as a “promising young soldier,” was stationed at Fort Rucker (located about 95 miles southeast of Montgomery, Alabama) while undergoing his training course. He was training as an Army Air Traffic Control Operator. The Bronx native succumbed to the injuries he suffered during the fight on January 10. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade.
Both the deceased and his killer were students in advanced individual training — the second leg of enlisted initial entry training.
Maj. Gen. Michael C McCurry — USAACE and Fort Rucker Commander — released a written statement about the fatal incident.
“On behalf of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker, I extend our deepest condolences to Pvt. Latifu’s family, friends, and community,” he stated. “Together we mourn the loss of a promising young Soldier. Our hearts are with the families and units impacted by the incident, and we are focused on taking care of Soldiers, families, and leaders.”
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He added that Fort Rucker is working hand in hand with the military police and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, during the investigation.
Meanwhile, Jimmie Cummings, Fort Rucker Public Information Officer, said that the unidentified soldier with whom Latifu had fought was now in detention under the Fort Rucker Department of Public Safety.
According to “The Army Times,” the unidentified soldier used a small, folding steel shovel — an Army-issued entrenching tool — to attack Latifu. For now, it is not known what triggered the attack. A statement released to “The Army Times” seems to rule out hate crime.
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