DS-13 STATION COMMANDER CAPTAIN ANDRE FREEMAN KILLED IN EXPLOSION
The investigation into the incident is a top priority, as starbase operations continue
DS-13, Aldebaran: On Stardate 93330.1, an explosion occurred in the corridor adjoining the main hall of DS-13’s Embassy Lounge claiming one life, that of Captain Andre Freeman, the Station Commander of Deep Space Thirteen, with others nearby suffering only minor injuries. An investigation into the cause of the explosion has determined that the bombing was part of a coordinated attack focused on killing two citizens of the Romulan Republic, who both reside and work on DS-13. With a total of two devices planted, the other discovered and disposed of, due to the work of 38th Fleet personnel.
Attempts were made to bring a number of suspects into custody, for possible involvement in this incident. Those suspects took their own lives rather than cooperate with DS-13 Security on the scene. Suspect names are being withheld pending investigation and notification. An extremist group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and we have no reason to doubt that admission. We condemn this group, and their attack, and steps will be taken to prevent further acts of terrorism. In the commision of this criminal act, the perpetrators also hijacked a civilian freighter, and senselessly murdered the twenty-four person crew, Federation citizens, prior to arriving at DS-13 to carry out the attack.
Freeman’s last act as Station Commander was to clear the area of the blast just seconds before it occurred, saving the life of one of the intended targets. Freeman was a fifteen year veteran of Starfleet, and had been DS-13 Station Commander for six months’ time. Prior to that assignment he had served both as Operations and Engineering officer at DS-13, Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards and DS-K7, as well as the U.S.S. Castle, all with honor and distinction. Next of kin have been notified of the loss; Freeman is survived by two brothers and a sister, as well as his parents and paternal grandmother. Freeman was 37 years old. His sacrifice came without second thought or hesitation, and was a supreme sign of his selflessness, in the highest traditions of Starfleet.
Commander Tau Thiessen has been placed in temporary command of Deep Space Thirteen at this time, and normal operations will carry on while the investigation of this matter continues. A thorough search of the station has been carried out, and no further explosive devices were found. And we have the confidence to state publically that the Station and all its personnel are safe.
All media inquiries into this incident should be sent through the Fleet PAO.
About the 38th Fleet: 38th Fleet ARGO's mission is to support Starfleet with forward deployed forces that are ready to support scientific and exploration missions as well as act to maintain the security of Federation space. We are Starfleet's primary security assurance in this sector. We will provide ready forces to secure our region as well as deploy forces throughout Federation space and areas of interest to support Starfleet missions. We are on the scientific and exploration frontier for the Federation. It is the desire of this command to make science and exploration the pinnacle of all of our operations, with the understanding that security may sometimes override this desire. We are ambassadors of the Federation. Our efforts in this area will be foremost considered in all decisions made with both new encounters and previously established relationships. We will be an organization exemplified by decisive action, innovative thinking, and a culture of professionalism and integrity.
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