AP sources: Navy yard gunman was treated by US for serious mental illness, ‘hearing voices’

WASHINGTON – U.S. law enforcement officials are telling The Associated Press that the Navy contractor identified as the gunman in Monday’s mass shooting at a military complex in Washington had been suffering a number of serious mental issues, including paranoia and a sleep disorder. He had been hearing voices in his head, the officials say.

Aaron Alexis, 34, had been treated since August by the Veterans Administration for his mental problems, the officials say. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the criminal investigation in the case was continuing.

The Navy had not declared him mentally unfit, which would have rescinded a security clearance that Alexis had from his earlier time in the Navy Reserves.

Family members told investigators that Alexis was being treated for his mental issues.

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