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.