AL-AHSA: The uncle of a Saudi officer who shot three people dead at a US Navy base in Florida on Friday said that his nephew’s actions were a crime that had nothing to do with his family or tribe.
Mohammed Al-Shamrani, 21, from Al-Ahsa, a 2nd lieutenant in the Royal Saudi Air Force, opened fire in a classroom building at Naval Air Station Pensacola where he was attending a training program. He was killed by US sheriff’s deputies who responded to the incident.
Shamrani’s uncle, Saad bin Hantam Shamrani, told Arab News on Sunday that the family found the tragedy inexplicable.
“Nothing unusual was noticed in Mohammed’s behavior… he was known to love people and help them,” he said.
“We are all still looking for the truth … to know the causes of this painful incident and its implications. What happened is a crime that concerns only the attacker and has nothing to do with his family and his tribe.”
Shamrani said his nephew had been a distinguished high school student, and had applied to the Air Academy after graduating. There, after six months, he got a scholarship to join a specialized aviation program in the US.
“The last conversation I had with him was less than a month ago, when he assured me that his studies were going well and he expected to graduate in the coming months,” Shamrani said.
The shooting has been condemned by Saudi Arabia and the Saudi public-- many of whom have lived and worked in the US.
“My condolences go out to the families of the victims. I hope they find peace in their lives after such a tragedy,” said Nedda Akhonbay, a Saudi-American communications professional in Jeddah.
“As a Saudi-American, and having spent many years in the US and making friends who became like family, I thought this attack was very close to home, and I hope both people work together to get past it.”
Florida shooting 'nothing to do with gunman’s family, tribe'
Florida shooting 'nothing to do with gunman’s family, tribe'
- We are all still looking for truth about painful incident, says shooter’s uncle
- Young Saudi officer was on a specialized aviation program in the US on scholarship
Diriyah in 2025 — A year of exceptional achievement
- Jerry Inzerillo: In 2025, the project reached a pivotal stage, transitioning from laying foundations to large-scale delivery, marking a clear shift from vision to execution
- Partnerships with The Helicopter Co. and Kakao Mobility advanced smart aerial and ground transportation solutions
JEDDAH: Under the theme “Vision to Reality,” Diriyah has moved beyond aspiration in 2025, translating long-held plans into a tangible, lived experience, according to Jerry Inzerillo, group chief executive officer of Diriyah Co.
Throughout the year, Diriyah Company, the Saudi Public Investment Fund entity developing the Diriyah giga-project, advanced from planning and preparation into delivery. Contracts and agreements exceeding SR24 billion ($6.4 billion) marked a pivotal transition from the establishment phase to early operations.
Inzerillo told Arab News: “At Diriyah, progress is measured by what is delivered on the ground against the plans we set. In 2025, the project reached a pivotal stage, transitioning from laying foundations to large-scale delivery, marking a clear shift from vision to execution.
“Together, these achievements reinforce Diriyah’s role as one of the Kingdom’s most important national transformation projects, with growing impact locally and internationally. We remain committed to advancing with responsibility and purpose, transforming ambition into reality and creating a destination that honors history while shaping the future.”
In 2025, Diriyah Co. signed eight major contracts, alongside 16 agreements, reinforcing delivery momentum across multiple development streams. International recognition also continued to grow, with Diriyah earning prestigious global awards and securing positions in influential international rankings, Inzerillo said.
Infrastructure development played a central role in shaping the visitor experience. New road networks were delivered to ensure smooth connectivity between historic districts and contemporary developments.
The company also inaugurated two high-capacity electricity transmission substations, securing the power required to support residents, visitors and a growing portfolio of residential, hospitality, educational and cultural assets.
Collaboration with Majid Al-Futtaim Group introduced a portfolio of global brands, positioning Diriyah Square as a distinctive shopping and entertainment destination, Inzerillo said. At the same time, Diriyah’s partnerships with the Saudi Contractors Authority and the Saudi Tennis Federation embedded sports, events and professional initiatives into the fabric of urban life.
Diriyah’s vision extended into the future of mobility and design, Inzerillo said. Partnerships with The Helicopter Co. and Kakao Mobility advanced smart aerial and ground transportation solutions, designed to make movement across the city faster, more efficient and integrated.
Diriyah Company, in collaboration with Pantone, unveiled “Diriyah Tan,” a custom color inspired by the city’s historic mud architecture. More than a visual signature, the color captures Diriyah’s identity, bridging its origins with its contemporary expression.
Diriyah’s excellence was also recognized at the highest international level, Inzerillo said. In 2025, TIME magazine named Diriyah Company among the World’s 100 Most Influential Companies, acknowledging the project’s cultural, economic and urban impact.
