Major Thomas E. Brigham, a 31-year-old male psychiatrist at Fairchild Air Force Base, became a target in a tragic and violent outburst on June 20, 1994. On that Monday afternoon, a former airman named Dean A. Mellberg, aged 20, arrived at the base hospital just outside the main security fence, intent on retribution. Dressed in black and carrying a large duffel bag, Mellberg had taken a taxi to the facility, a place where his fate with the Air Force had been sealed. Inside his bag was a Chinese-made MAK-90 semi-automatic rifle, which he had recently purchased.
Mellberg had a history of emotional problems and had been recommended for discharge from the military. Major Brigham, along with Captain Alan W. London, a psychologist, were the mental health professionals who had made that recommendation. Mellberg's discharge had been finalized just weeks before his deadly return to Fairchild. His actions on that day were a direct and fatal response to the end of his military career, a career that was cut short due to his psychological instability. There were warning signs of his potential for violence that had been noted by others.
Entering the hospital annex, Mellberg went directly to the office shared by Brigham and London and opened fire, shooting both men. His rampage did not end there. He proceeded through the hospital, firing indiscriminately at patients and staff, turning the medical facility into a scene of terror. The shooting spree resulted in the deaths of four people and left more than 20 others wounded. The attack was brought to an end when Senior Airman Andrew P. Brown, a security police officer on bike patrol, confronted Mellberg in the hospital parking lot and fatally shot him. Because the perpetrator was killed at the scene, there were no arrests made in connection with the shooting. The Spokane County District Attorney's office later ruled that the use of force by Airman Brown was lawful and necessary.
