News Summary
On the 10-year anniversary of the terrorist attack in Chattanooga, the community honors the lives of five U.S. service members lost in the tragedy. A memorial service was held to commemorate the Fallen Five, highlighting their bravery and the enduring impact of the attack. Local leaders and family members shared reflections, emphasizing unity and resilience in the face of grief as the city continues to support the victims’ families and remembers those who served. Discussions on military security have also emerged in the wake of this tragic event.
Chattanooga, TN – Wednesday marks the 10-year anniversary of a terrorist attack in Chattanooga that tragically claimed the lives of five U.S. service members. On July 16, 2015, gunman Mohammad Abdulazeez opened fire at the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway before moving to the Navy Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway, where further shooting ensued.
The attack resulted in the deaths of four U.S. Marines and one Navy sailor:
– Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan, U.S. Marine Corps
– Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt, U.S. Marine Corps
– Sgt. Carson A. Holmquist, U.S. Marine Corps
– Lance Cpl. Squire K. “Skip” Wells, U.S. Marine Corps
– Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall J. Smith, U.S. Navy
During the assault, two other individuals were injured, including Marine recruiter Sgt. DeMonte Cheeley and Chattanooga Police Sgt. Dennis Pedigo. The deadly encounter lasted until law enforcement officers killed Abdulazeez.
In remembrance of this tragic event, a memorial service was held at the Wreath of Honor at the Tennessee Riverpark. City officials designated July 16 as the Fallen Five Day of Remembrance, recognizing the significance of the day and honoring the fallen servicemen.
The ceremony featured reflections from local leaders, including Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp. Family members of the Fallen Five attended, sharing their ongoing grief and cherished memories of their loved ones, further highlighting the personal impact of the tragedy. Attendees braved oppressive heat to pay tribute and support the victims’ families during the ceremony.
Over the past decade, the families of the Fallen Five have sought healing while honoring the memories of their loved ones. The emotional residue of the attack continues to affect the community and its first responders, who still grapple with survivor’s guilt and mental scars from the incident. The event highlighted the resilience and unity demonstrated by the Chattanooga community in the aftermath of the attack.
Following the shootings, discussions surrounding the security of military recruiting and reserve locations became a priority. In response, the Pentagon and military commands initiated reviews of security protocols related to potential active shooter situations. The Fallen Five have been posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and received other honors for their ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
Since the attack, numerous memorial events and fundraising initiatives have taken place to continue supporting the families affected. The investigation into the event ultimately concluded that Abdulazeez acted alone and was influenced by foreign extremist propaganda.
As residents of Chattanooga reflect on the day of the attack, many remember precisely where they were when the tragedy unfolded. The city created a permanent memorial, the Wreath of Honor – Fallen Five Memorial, to commemorate the lives lost on that fateful day. The anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing impact of the events of July 16, 2015, and the city’s commitment to remembering those who served and sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Marks 10 Years Since Domestic Terrorist Attack
- Local 3 News: July 16 – A Timeline of the Terrorist Attack in Chattanooga
- News Channel 9: Townhall – Chattanooga’s July 16th Terror Attack 10 Years Later
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Terrorist Attack
- MassLive: Springfield Remembers Heroism of Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan
- Google Search: Chattanooga Terrorism Attack 2015
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
