The following is a joint statement between Frederick Police Department, Fort Detrick and the Federal Bureau of Investigations Baltimore Field Office regarding an active shooter incident that occurred in Frederick Tuesday.
At approximately 8:20 a.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2021, the Frederick Police Department responded to the 8400 Block of Progress Drive for reports of an active shooter.
Upon arrival FPD determined that two victims, both adult males, had been shot and suffered life-threatening injuries. Both victims were transported by helicopter to an area shock trauma center. One of the victims is in serious condition and expected to be released Wednesday. The other victim is in critical but stable condition. Both victims were active duty sailors assigned to Fort Detrick. The location of the initial shooting is a warehouse rented by Naval Medical Research Center, Biological Defense Research Directorate to store research supplies and equipment.
After shooting the two victims with a rifle, the suspect, later identified as Fantahun Girma Woldesenbet, a 38-year-old Frederick resident, drove onto Fort Detrick where the military installation’s civilian police department eventually shot and killed him.
Investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigations Baltimore field office responded to the scene as well as their Evidence Response Team and Victim Specialist who is specially trained to handle incidents such as these.
As a matter of protocol, FBI special agents and other personnel respond to active shooter incidents, in order to provide enhanced law enforcement support.
Woldesenbet was assigned to Fort Detrick but did not live on base. The investigation is still ongoing and further details will be released at a later time.
Frederick Police Department is handling the investigation at Riverside Tech Park and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation at Fort Detrick. Both investigations are still ongoing and more information will be released as it becomes available.
The agency’s response to this incident was assisted by strong collaboration from partnering agencies including, Fort Detrick, FBI Baltimore, ATF, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police and the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services.