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Former Navy SEAL & ‘American Sniper’ Author Chris Kyle Reportedly Killed at TX Lodge

Feb. 2, 2013 10:16pm Erica Ritz

American Sniper Author Chris Kyle Killed at Rough Creek Shooting Lodge in Dallas

Former Navy SEAL and bestselling author of the book “American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History” Chris Kyle was killed at the Rough Creek Lodge in Texas Saturday, NBC DFW reports.

WFAA adds:

Two people were killed Saturday at a gun range in Erath County. Three sources tell News 8 that one of the victims was Chris Kyle, a former Navy SEAL and author of the New York Times bestselling book, “American Sniper.”

Kyle was shot point-blank while helping another soldier who is recovering from post traumatic stress syndrome, News 8 learned.

An alert was issued for the suspect, who was reportedly captured in Lancaster, south of Dallas. The suspect was believed to be highly trained with military experience. [Emphasis added]

KXAS-TV has more:

Reports indicate the suspect actually took off in Kyle’s car and, according to KHOU, officials say the second victim may have been the suspect’s neighbor.

Lancaster police later confirmed that the suspect Eddie Ray Routh was arrested Saturday night and is expected to be charged with murder. A spokesman for Lancaster police said officers flagged Routh and took him into custody at Interstate 35 and Camp Wisdom Road after a brief chase.

WFAA-TV released the following photo of Routh late Saturday night, but did not specify when the photo was taken:

Eddie Routh, 25. (WFAA-TV)

Routh reportedly attempted to flee when approached by officers and crashed into a squad car.

(Denton Record-Chronicle/Megan Gray)

Desoto had to assist because of wreck damage being severe. (Denton Record-Chronicle/Megan Gray)

Blaze Front Page Editor Jon Seidl spent time on the same ranch where the shooting occurred earlier this fall and describes it as a sprawling, secluded area “in the middle of nowhere.” He recalls there being several shooting stations. It is also the host site in December for the annual Spartan adventure race.

The website’s description reads:

No matter what your individual style, Rough Creek Lodge and Resort is a “have-it-all” place for our “want-it-all” guests.

Rough Creek Lodge , Resort and Dallas Conference Center is nestled on 11,000 acres in the foothills of the picturesque Texas Hill Country. Located 90 minutes southwest of Dallas Fort Worth, Texas, our exquisite grounds boast 57 stylish guestrooms and suites, 4 exclusive cabins, and 2 opulent guest houses. Our Dallas lodging is finely decorated with sophisticated fabric, furniture and artwork to create a feel of rustic elegance for our guests.

(Photo: Rough Creek Lodge and Resort)

Kyle was well-known both in his field and by the media, earning the nickname of “the devil of Ramadi” by insurgents, and “America’s deadliest sniper” at home.

You may also remember the time he punched former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura in the face.

Kyle served four tours of duty in Iraq and had 160 kills as a Navy SEAL, NBC DFW reports. According to the Stephenville Empire-Tribune, he made his longest successful shot after he spotted an insurgent with a rocket launcher 2,100 yards (about 1.2 miles) away, near a U.S. Army convoy.

He is married and the father of two.

Before his death, Kyle weighed in on the gun control debate for SHOT Show 2013:

Jack Murphy at the Special Operations Forces Situation Report (SOFREP) wrote this moving note Saturday night:

I am saddened to have to announce the tragic loss of another one of our own. This has been a hard year for the Special Operations community, perhaps the SEAL community most of all.

Today Chris Kyle was shot and killed at a shooting range at the Rough Creek Lodge in Texas, murdered along with a second individual.

Chris had been volunteering his time to help Marine Corps veterans suffering from PTSD and mentoring them. Part of this process involved taking these veterans to the range where one of them snapped and killed Chris and his neighbor for reasons that remain unknown at this time. The perpetrator then stole Chris’ vehicle in an attempt to escape but we have received word that the police have since arrested him.

You can read the rest of the note at SOFREP.

Former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin added on Facebook:

(Photo: Facebook/Sarah Palin)

This is a breaking news story. Updates will be added.

–

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (587)

Benetto
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:31pm
We just lost a great American… a sad day!

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propel7
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:31pm
barach baby will try to use this for his gestapo dhs empowerment. Time for the 2nd amendment MILITIAS to be organized by the States and by the People. We will not be demonized and maligned by the fascist puke and his funny money masters for their one world agenda any longer. Homeland Security belongs to the MILITIA and the 2ns amendment. Seems the dhs is UNCONSTITUTIONAL now, aint it? And they know full well it is. No wonder they are trying to attack the 2nd amendment now. They have their illegal gestapo in place.

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rcguy
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:30pm
We just lost an American Hero. God be with you Chris.

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Kafir-Islamsux
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:29pm
After reading all I could find on this and making a few calls to old Army buddies, some still active in the Intell world, I am convinced this was a hit and probably gov’t…

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- hatchetjob
  Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:39pm
  Something in my spirit tells me you’re right. This is a sad day.
  
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bdandsl
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:28pm
Heart breaking.

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LeadNotFollow
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:27pm
He recently spoke his opinion against Obama’s gun control, and now he’s dead.
Coincidence? I think not.

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rclay36
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:26pm
Chris and I served together in Fallujah Iraq. When I returned to the world I had Chris on my radio show several times. He was always generous in answering my calls and assisting me in any way he could. It was not uncommon for Chris to go dark with Coms and I had tried to contact him a few times over the last several days with no response. I now know why. He was helping fellow Marines deal with PTS. Giving his time yet again for a fellow solder in need. I am sadden beyond belief. I hope I can get a hold of his family in the morning.

God Bless this man. You have another Solder of God in heaven and one that can love and fight!

Rick Clay
304-550-7970

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Satellite309
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:25pm
.
…..testing

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Guitar Master
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:24pm
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
From THE REPORTER
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The smell is of something rotten and it’s coming from Denmark.

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PIGSWILLNEVERFLY
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:24pm
Just yesterday I was reading that 22 veterans were committing suicide every day. I was very upset all day at have read that story. Now this is beyond tragic and into murder. What is going on? My grief and prayers are in deep sympathy for his family and buddies who loved him. G-d Bless his loving spirit.

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Yes a ConsvNY Mother
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:24pm
So 1000 Special Forces and former Special Forces soldiers declare they’ll oppose any national firearm confiscation efforts by the government………. http://americathebattlefield.blogspot.com/

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lassiegirldawn
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:24pm
This is a message sent to tell our military and Vets that they had better toe the line and none are safe. This was a hit job and they are going to try to tie it to some Vet that went off. Look what they have done to our Military leaders that are not in line with this commie administration, they are relieved of their post or assignment.

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GUAPOKOVSKI
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:20pm
This I’m sure isn’t a coincidence after several of the top commanders have been purged. Oath Keepers keep your six covered. This may just be the beginning.

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Timk0308
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:20pm
Rest in peace Sir and condolences too the family!!!!

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myfinaloption
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:19pm
My lord FPS Russia producer on YouTube murdered on the range. Now Kyle…sounds like the antigun radicals are tooling gun ranges.,and ambushing gun owner’s.
http://www.vice.com/read/good-news-americas-pro-gun-campaigners-are-getting-even-more-paranoid

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GhostDog51
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:18pm
Gosh, what a loss. One of our finest. May God bless his family and the rest of the Special Operations community.

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stealthseesall
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:17pm
This is an American Govt Hit because they know Chris Kyle could do serious damage to a Govt that turns on its people. Let this be a lesson to the other service men with sniper skills. The United States govt will not allow you to live and use your skills against them in the near future.

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EQUALIZER
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:15pm
The OBAMA ADMINISTRATION PLAYS FOR KEEPS! WAKE TFU!

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vaughan
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:15pm
Just like all those scientist that keep disappearing very strange. and now killings of our highly trained Special Forces…. Too many …perhaps in this case a.Manchurian Candidate? I guess I just don’t trust the government anymore.

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AnAmerican111
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:14pm
Another TRUE American Hero has died!
May God Bless him and his family as he given his life serving this Country and his fellow Military members.

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Adobewalls
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:12pm
Prayers sent to all.

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LeadNotFollow
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:11pm
Will always remember his 2,100 yard shot.
Rest in Peace Kyle.

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Comrade_Bob
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:07pm
Let’s see a photograph of the shooter. I have a prediction regarding the “culture” from which our “Marine” has come from to enrich us.

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- stealthseesall
  Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:29pm
  My initial thought that it was a Muslim Hit but something inside me thinks a Muslim would stand out at a Texas Gun Range. CK is trained to look for the unusual and he understands he is a hated man. Just like the Chinook crash that took out many of ST-6 it is my belief our govt is ridding itself of train military men that are well respected and could rally a lot of patriots to fight with them against a ever increasing tyrannical govt.
  
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Master_and_Commander
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:06pm
this isn’t the time for conspiracy theories or witty comment, guys, show a little decency for crying out loud.

Praying for his family and friends, I can’t believe this happened…

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- hatchetjob
  Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:24pm
  I am so sad about this senseless killing. Prayers to his family. :0(
  
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- Satellite309
  Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:37pm
  Please feel free to copy the paragraph below and e-mail it to your state rep (their website link is below):
  
  Dear Congressman,
  I request that impeachment proceedings be started against the President by February 28, 2013, for lying to the American people about what happened in Benghazi. Clearly, the President sought to cover up the incident to avoid controversy so that he could be easily re-elected. He also needs to be impeached for violation of his oath of office (to protect the Constitution) when he blamed the youtube video in his speech to the UN General Assembly on 9/25/12 at the following points in time: 10:16, 13:16, and 15:08. Please bring these charges against the President by February 28, 2013, so that we, the people, will know that our government is till operational and functional and that members of Congress have not been compromised, threatened, or blackmailed into silence by this administration (the way they did with the head of the CIA). Thank you.
  
  LINK to representatives website:
  http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/
  
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another pucker
Posted on February 2, 2013 at 11:04pm
So devastating! This man, a true American Hero! God take him into your arms and thank him for me! God be with the family who is left behind. So sad that we lose someone who’s mission was to fight evil for the rest of us!

XOXOXO

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- Small World
  Posted on February 3, 2013 at 12:00am
  Amen!
  
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