Fort Rucker soldier, 21, dead after ‘incident’ with fellow soldier

An Army soldier stationed at Fort Rucker was killed in what officials are describing as an “incident” with a fellow soldier.

Pvt. Abdul N. Latifu, 21, of Bronx, New York, died Jan. 10. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade, as he trained as an Army Air Traffic Control Operator.

“On behalf of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker, I extend our deepest condolences to Pvt. Latifu’s family, friends, and community. Together we mourn the loss of a promising young soldier,” Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry, USAACE and Fort Rucker commander, said in a statement. “Our hearts are with the families and units impacted by the incident, and we are focused on taking care of soldiers, families, and leaders.”

The identity of the other soldier involved in the incident hasn’t been released but Army Times reported the alleged attacker used an Army-issued entrenching tool – a small steel folding shovel – in the assault. The soldier is currently being detained.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division and officials said counselors and chaplains are available to personnel.