PENSACOLA, Fla. – Reacting to "the horrific mass shooting" that took place early Dec. 6 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Bishop William A. Wack of Pensacola–Tallahassee said the "tragedy in our diocese is truly heartbreaking."

Three people were shot dead and many others were injured in the shooting and the suspected gunman was a trainee with the Saudi Air Force, according to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

At a news conference, law enforcement officials said eight people were taken to local hospitals; one of those injured died. Two officers who responded to the shooting were among those injured.

The gunman died in the shooting, said Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan, adding that a county officer "negated the threat" after responding to the scene. The motive for the shooting was still unknown.

"Our sympathy and prayers go out to those whose lives were taken, as well as for their families, military service members and first responders, and those who were injured," Bishop Wack said in a statement, adding: "We ask for God's peace and mercy on our community. Please join me in prayer during this time of mourning."

NAS Pensacola, situated in Escambia County on Florida's Gulf Coast, employs more than 16,000 military and 7,400 civilian personnel.

It is best known as the initial primary training base for all U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard officers pursuing designation as naval aviators and naval flight officers and the advanced training base for most naval flight officers

It also is the home base for the Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron, the precision-flying team known as the Blue Angels.