Pfc. Francheska Velez, a 21-year-old female soldier of Colombian descent, was tragically killed on November 5, 2009, during a mass shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. Velez had recently returned from a 10-month tour in Iraq and was nine weeks pregnant at the time of her death. She had come home early from Iraq to begin her maternity leave and was preparing to return to her hometown of Chicago. Velez was among the 13 victims of the shooting, which was carried out by Army psychiatrist Maj. Nidal Hasan.
The incident occurred at a military processing center where soldiers undergo medical tests before and after deployment.
During the rampage, Hasan opened fire on soldiers and civilians, shouting 'Allahu Akbar!' as he began shooting. Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with soldiers diving to the ground and crawling to safety as Hasan indiscriminately targeted anyone in his path. Velez, who was sitting next to another soldier, was heard crying out, 'My baby! My baby!' as she was fatally shot. The attack left 13 people dead and 32 others injured, making it the deadliest mass shooting on an American military base.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Hasan was charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder. The military court proceedings included testimonies from survivors and witnesses who recounted the harrowing events of that day. Hasan was eventually found guilty on all charges and was sentenced to death. The case drew significant media attention and led to a review of security measures at military installations.
Velez's death had a profound impact on her family and community. Her father, Juan Velez, a Colombian immigrant, expressed his pride in his daughter's service and his grief over her loss. Friends and family gathered to mourn her passing, remembering her as a vibrant and joyful person who loved to dance and make others laugh. The tragedy of her death, along with the deaths of the other victims, highlighted the need for increased awareness and prevention of such violent acts within the military.
