Every December 7, memorial services take place to commemorate those who lost their lives in the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack. This year, the Navy base in Pearl Harbor also mournfully paid respects to two colleagues who were fatally shot last week, reports The Washington Post.
According to the Navy Times, sailor Gabriel Antonio Romero, 22, opened fire at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard on Wednesday, killing both Vincent J. Kapoi, 30, and Roldan A. Agustin, 49, and injuring a third victim, who was hospitalized in stable condition. The gunman then shot and killed himself.
Romero was armed and assigned to provide security for the attack submarine USS Columbia when the tragedy unfolded.
It is unclear whether Romero knew his victims or fired indiscriminately, according to Manila Standard. Officials are still investigating a motive, but they stated that there is no evidence of domestic terrorism.
Officials declined to comment on Romero’s mental state prior to the shooting and his disciplinary record, with Rear Adm. Robert B. Chadwick II stating during a press conference, “That’s all part of the investigation that’s going on right now.”
“There are so many unanswered questions,” Kapoi’s sister Theona told the media. “We all have to be honest, it changes nothing because we can’t bring him back.”
Kapoi, a native Hawaiian, worked as a metals inspector apprentice. A GoFundMe page includes a message from his widow: “I’ve been through a lot of tragedy in my life, but nothing compares to losing the love of your life. I will miss you truly, and I will always love you Vincent J Jr. Kapoi. May we all find peace when we find out more about this tragic incident at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.”
Agustin, a Philippines native who was raised in Hawaii, worked as a shop planner in nondestructive testing. A GoFundMe page shares that he had served in the Navy and was a retiree of the Army National Guard before coming to work at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.
“Having grown up in Waipahu, Roldan enjoyed working on cars with his friends and spending time with his family and adored his nieces,” wrote Kevin Agustin Simon, who says he is Agustin’s cousin. “We will forever remember Roldan to be humble and honest, and a generous and patient man.”
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our new Instagram account. Go to our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff or submitting a story.
