A tragic workplace shooting unfolded Friday morning at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, leaving one employee dead and another in police custody. Ingalls, the largest private employer in the state and a key builder of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels, was forced into lockdown as law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire. For a brief period, thousands of workers were ordered to shelter in place while police secured the sprawling shipyard complex.
Suspect Arrested After Deadly Confrontation
The alleged gunman, Curtis James Jr., 25, of Mobile, Alabama, was arrested without resistance shortly after the shooting. Authorities say James, a painter in the shipyard’s paint department, fired two shots that killed a male coworker. Pascagoula Police Chief Terry Scott said the two men knew each other, suggesting that a prior argument earlier in the week may have escalated into Friday’s deadly confrontation. Police are continuing to investigate the motive, but at this time the shooting appears to have been a targeted act rather than a random attack.
Victim’s Identity Withheld Pending Notification
The victim, described as a man from Prichard, Alabama, was pronounced dead at the scene before emergency crews could intervene. His name is being withheld until his family has been officially notified. In a statement, Ingalls Shipbuilding’s parent company, Huntington Ingalls Industries, expressed its sorrow over the loss, calling the event devastating for the close-knit shipyard community. “We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the employee’s family and friends during this difficult time,” the statement read.
Lockdown and Response Efforts
In the aftermath of the shooting, the shipyard was placed on immediate lockdown. Employees were instructed to stay in place while police searched the massive industrial site to confirm that no additional threats remained. By 9:40 a.m., officials announced that the suspect was in custody and the lockdown was lifted. To ease tensions and allow investigators access to the grounds, all employees were dismissed for the day with pay, according to shipyard officials.
Workplace Safety and Security Concerns
The shooting has raised questions about workplace safety at large industrial facilities such as Ingalls, which employs thousands of workers in high-pressure, high-risk environments. While violent incidents at the shipyard are rare, the event has sparked conversations about whether additional security measures or mental health resources are needed in such critical workplaces. Police Chief Scott acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but noted that quick response and cooperation from employees prevented further harm.
Ingalls’ Role in the Community
Founded more than 85 years ago, Ingalls Shipbuilding is deeply tied to both Mississippi’s economy and the nation’s defense. The facility has produced some of the U.S. Navy’s most advanced ships, including destroyers, amphibious assault ships, and Coast Guard cutters. With Pascagoula’s population just over 22,000, the shipyard is the city’s economic backbone, employing multiple generations of local families. Friday’s shooting not only left a community grieving but also highlighted how even essential workplaces are not immune to acts of violence.
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