A shooting rampage by a U.S. soldier at an army base in Fort Hood, Texas, on Thursday has left 12 people dead and 31 others wounded.

Lt.-Gen. Bob Cone said the gunman, who used two handguns, was killed. Two other people initially suspected of being involved in the shooting were apprehended but later released. It’s unclear what their connection to the incident is, if any.

The Associated Press reported that the gunman has been identified as Maj. Malik Nadal Hasan. A law enforcement official said Hasan, believed to be in his late 30s, was killed after opening fire.

Speaking in Washington, U.S. President Barack Obama called the situation “a horrific outburst of violence” and pledged support for the Fort Hood community.

“It’s difficult enough when we lose these brave Americans in battles overseas,” said Obama. “It is horrifying that they should come under fire at an army base on American soil.”

The shootings began at 1:30 p.m. CT at a personnel and medical processing centre on the base. The centre handles troops deploying to and from combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Cone said all the casualties were at the processing centre.

Fort Hood is between Austin and Waco, roughly 100 kilometres from each city. It is reported to be the largest U.S. military base in the world and home to almost 5,000 officers, more than 45,000 enlisted military personnel and roughly 9,000 civilian employees.

(Malik Nadal Hasan picture)