Hasan's Actions "Despicable," Family Says

Last Updated 11:36 a.m. ET

The family of the suspected Fort Hood shooter says "the actions of their cousin are despicable and deplorable."

A spokeswoman for Nidal Malik Hasan's family says relatives in Northern Virginia are reaching out to law enforcement Friday to offer insight.

Authorities have said Hasan is suspected in Thursday's mass killings at the Fort Hood military base in Texas.

Military officials are still trying to piece together what may have pushed the 39-year-old Army psychiatrist, trained to help soldiers in distress, to turn on his comrades.

Hasan's family said in a statement Friday that his actions don't reflect how they were raised in the U.S.

Military officials are still trying to piece together what may have pushed the 39-year-old Army psychiatrist, trained to help soldiers in distress, to turn on his comrades.

Late Thursday Hasan's cousin, Nader Hasan, released a statement on behalf of the family saying that his actions don't reflect how they were raised in the U.S.

"We are shocked and saddened by the terrible events at Fort Hood today. We send the families of the victims our most heartfelt sympathies," Nader Hasan said. "We, like most of America, know very few details at this time. Here is what we do know about our cousin. Nidal was an American citizen. He was born in Arlington, Virginia and raised here in America. He attended local high schools and eventually went on to attend Virginia Tech.

"We are filled with grief for the families of today's victims. Our family loves America. We are proud of our country, and saddened by today's tragedy."

More Coverage of the Tragedy at Fort Hood:
What Might Have Set Off Fort Hood Gunman?
Neighbor: Ft. Hood Suspect Packed Up Home
Female Cop Hailed as Ft. Hood Hero
"Allahu Akbar": Hasan's Words as He Fired?
Military Spouse's Reaction
Forensic Psychiatrist on Suspect's Possible Mindset
Suspect's Past Marked by "Difficulties"
Radical Ties Not Ruled Out at Ft. Hood
Store's Video May Show Ft. Hood Suspect
Anti-Muslim Backlash Immediate
Fort Hood Rampage Suspect Sill Alive
What Was Shooter's Motive?
Soldier Opens Fire at Ft. Hood; 13 Dead
U.S. Army Base Violence Has Bloody History
Obama: Fort Hood Shooting "Horrific"
Fast Facts: Fort Hood
Tragedy at Fort Hood