Tester Statement on Shooting Incident at Fort Harrison VA

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester issued the following statement today in response to a death by suicide on the grounds of the Fort Harrison Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Helena: 

“The news out of Fort Harrison today is deeply saddening, and I’m in touch with local VA officials and authorities on the ground. Mental health is one of the biggest challenges facing Montanans, and it’s clear that we need to make sure everyone—including frontline workers and veterans—are connected with the life-saving mental health care they need and deserve.”

Senator Tester and his office are continuing to monitor the situation at Fort Harrison, and will provide more information as it becomes available.

If you are a veteran in crisis, or concerned about a veteran in crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential support and crisis intervention 24/7, 365 days a year. Just call 988 and press 1. Help is also available online via chat.