VA secretary visits El Paso to show support for staff at VA clinic where shooting occurred

Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald is in El Paso to offer support to staff at the VA clinic where a doctor was shot and killed Tuesday by a former employee at the clinic.

The gunman, identified as 48-year-old Jerry Serrato, shot psychologist Dr. Timothy Fjordbak on the fourth floor of the VA clinic on Fort Bliss near Central El Paso. Serrato, a veteran, then committed suicide on the third floor.

McDonald’s appearance was tightly managed. He offered condolences to the family of the murdered VA doctor and met with employees. He spoke with the media for only a few minutes.

“I’m here in El Paso to demonstrate how the entire Veterans Affairs family is here to show their empathy for the employees here, the veterans here in El Paso that we care so much about,” McDonald said. “I’m here to talk to the employees today and to tell them whatever support they need, they will get.”

McDonald was asked by media if there will be security changes at VA facilities because of the shooting.

“We’re reviewing security measures at all VA facilities,” McDonald said. “We do that anyway but anytime we have this kind of an incident, we do that.”

Weapons are not allowed on VA property and there are no metal detectors at the VA clinic where the shooting occurred.

Peter Dancy, active director of the El Paso VA, said the local VA is implementing security changes that will take effect at 1 p.m. Friday when the VA clinic reopens.

Fort Bliss ramped up security checks including random searches of vehicles at gates leading to the VA Clinic and William Beaumont Army Medical Center.

But now there will an added layer of security at the clinic. VA Police will check identification of all people entering the clinic and randomly search bags and parcels.

Many patients did not realize the VA clinic was closed for a second day because of the FBI criminal investigation. But did notice the extra security when they arrived on post.

“Today they were more strict, sure. I don’t blame them,” said Moises Flores, 90, a World War II Veteran.

“I’ve been coming to this institution for 50 years, I guess,” said Flores. He said he was worried after hearing about the shooting but not concerned enough to miss his standing weekly appointment.

Other patients were frustrated about having to make a return trip to the VA clinic.

“They were going to contact people about their cancellation. Well they never called me about mine today,” said Harry Smith, who walked up to the clinic door with a small oxygen tank on wheels.

The clinic reopensFridaywith tighter security. Security will also increase at outpatient clinics off post.

“We’re looking forward to getting back to business. And we really appreciate the community support from Fort Bliss, William Beaumont in terms of the support they’ve provided us during this tragic situation,” said Dancy said.

The VA and Army are providing counseling for VA clinic staff, patients and veterans in the aftermath of the shooting.

Some worry the murder-suicide will create a stigma for veterans who have mental health problems and need to visit the VA clinic.

“There’s a lot of sick soldiers out there that need help, “said Crystal Glover, an army veteran who spent 7 years in the service. “But I’ve never felt unsafe here.”

As McDonald left the facility to speak with employees, ABC-7 was only station there to speak with him, asking him whether he is confident he can prevent further tragedies from happening again at VA facilities.

“We’re working on it,” McDonald said.

McDonald also talked about the VA in general and how it has improved since last year’s scandal.

“We’ve made great progress in the VA nationally,” McDonald said. “We’ve made progress here in El Paso and we want to keep that going. We’re all focused on our primary mission which is to care for our veterans of this country.”

ABC-7 spoke with several veterans who were turned away because the facility was still closed on Thursday. A couple of them said in the six months since McDonald has taken over the VA, they have seen improvements at the VA in El Paso.

Dancy added that they want to make sure they are strengthening veteran trust.