US President Obama made a statement soon after the shootout at Fort Hood army base where 12 people have been killed and 31 others have been injured. He said a number of American soldiers have been killed in a 'horrific outburst of violence'.

"My immediate thoughts and prayers are with the wounded and with the families of the fallen and with those who live and serve at Fort Hood. These are men and women who have risked their lives to protect ours. It's difficult enough when we lose these brave men in battles overseas. It's horrifying that they should come under fire in an army base on American soil," he said.