DC medical examiner: Pentagon shooter died from gunshot wounds to head, arm

Pentagon shooter died from head, arm wounds

WASHINGTON — The medical examiner in Washington, D.C., says an autopsy shows a man who opened fire at the Pentagon nearly two weeks ago died from gunshot wounds to his head and arm.

Thirty-six-year-old John Patrick Bedell approached a Pentagon security checkpoint March 4 and started shooting. Three officers returned fire and two were hurt, but not badly. The officers fatally wounded Bedell, who had a history of mental illness.

Washington Office of the Chief Medical Examiner spokeswoman Beverly Fields said Monday the gunshot wounds killed Bedell and his death was ruled a homicide.

Fields says Bedell’s body was brought to the medical examiner’s office the day of the shooting, and an autopsy was done within 24 hours.