21-year-old Ghanaian US Army Soldier murdered by fellow trainee in an altercation

The U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker announces the death of a 21-year-old Advanced Individual Training Soldier at Alabama. 

Pvt. Abdul N. Latifu, of the Bronx, New York City, died on January 10, 2023, from injuries sustained during a disagreement with a fellow trainee Soldier according to a statement from the post’s top spokesperson, Lt. Col. Andy Thaggard. 

The attacker used an Army-issued entrenching tool, a small steel folding shovel in the assault, a source with knowledge of the incident told Army Times, requesting anonymity in order to share information from the preliminary investigation, which has not yet been released to the public.

Latifu was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade, as he trained as an Army Air Traffic Control Operator.

 “On behalf of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker, I extend our deepest condolences to Pvt. Latifu’s family, friends, and community. Together we mourn the loss of a promising young Soldier,” said Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander. 

“Our hearts are with the families and units impacted by the incident, and we are focused on taking care of Soldiers, families, and leaders.”  

Both soldiers were students in advanced individual training, the second leg of enlisted initial entry training.

It’s not clear why the attack occurred, but the service’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the killing.