Report: Navy Yard Shooter Lied About Previous Arrest and Debt When Applying For Security Clearance

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has recommended all police reports be included when a background check is being carried out

WASHINGTON (AP)—The Washington Navy Yard shooter lied about a previous arrest and failed to disclose thousands of dollars in debts when he applied for a security clearance in the Navy.

Then federal investigators dismissed the omissions, and made one of their own—deleting any reference to Aaron Alexis' use of a gun in that arrest.

The gaps in his record eventually allowed him to work in the secure Navy building where he gunned down 12 workers last week, underscoring weaknesses with the clearance process that Navy officials are targeting for change.