Crime
Victim killed in shooting at Pascagoula Ingalls Shipbuilding identified as Tahj Johnson
PASCAGOULA, Miss. – Authorities have identified the victim in Friday morning’s fatal workplace shooting at Ingalls Shipbuilding as Tahj Johnson, an employee of the Pascagoula shipyard.
According to Pascagoula Police Chief Terry Scott, the shooting occurred around 7:30 a.m. on August 22, 2025, aboard a vessel that was under construction at the facility. Johnson was fatally shot during the incident, which prompted an immediate lockdown of the shipyard.
The suspected gunman, identified as 25-year-old Curtis James Jr. of Mobile, Alabama, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.
Police confirmed that both Johnson and James were Ingalls employees.
Chief Scott stated that investigators believe the incident may have stemmed from an earlier altercation between the two men earlier in the week.
The firearm used in the shooting has not yet been recovered.
No additional injuries were reported.
An Ingalls Shipbuilding spokesperson confirmed that an “active shooter” situation was declared and all personnel were instructed to shelter in place until the scene was secured.
Employees were later released from duty for the remainder of the day, with pay. Grief counseling services are being made available to staff.
Law enforcement agencies from across Jackson County responded to assist Pascagoula Police in securing the shipyard.
Officials asked the public to avoid the area while first responders worked to contain the situation.
While rumors have circulated regarding possible related incidents outside the shipyard, police have not confirmed any connection beyond the workplace shooting.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Ingalls Shipbuilding, a division of HII (Huntington Ingalls Industries), is the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi and a primary supplier of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels.
Pascagoula, the seat of Jackson County, has a population of approximately 22,000 residents.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.