Victims of Fort Hood shooting awarded Purple Hearts, Defense of Freedom Medals

Victims of Army Maj. Nidal Hasan's attack at Fort Hood have been seeking to have the military reclassify the act of "workplace violence" as a terrorist attack since the 2009 shooting spree left 13 people dead and 30 injured.

Now, six years later, survivors of the shooting and their families have been made eligible to receive the Purple Heart (given to military members) and the Defense of Freedom Medal (given to civilians). Twenty-seven people who were wounded in action, plus 11 families of people killed during the attack were awarded medals this morning.

Forty-seven medals will be given out in total across the country. "It is our sincere hope that today in some small way we can help heal the wounds you suffered," Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland said during the ceremony.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up