The Army psychiatrist suspected of going on a shooting rampage at Fort Hood recently asked for advice on what he should tell fellow soldiers concerned about fighting Muslims in Iraq or Afghanistan, a local Muslim leader said Saturday.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has declared a moment of silence for U.S. military forces worldwide as a show of respect for the Fort Hood victims. UPDATE: Law enforcement officials say a 5.7-millimeter pistol used in the Fort Hood shooting rampage was purchased legally at a Texas gun store. UPDATED: The cousin of the suspected Fort Hood shooter says family members have met with the FBI and answered all their questions.

President Dmitry Medvedev says the decision by the Obama administration to scrap plans for a missile defense system in Europe is a “responsible move.“ Medvedev made the comments on state TV Thursday just hours after President Barack Obama announced he was shelving the project, a major irritant between the two nations.

Sen. John McCain wants to remove the $1.75 billion recently inserted into the proposed 2010 defense budget for more fighter jets from Lockheed Martin.