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A Hudson Valley woman has been identified as one of the four Americans killed in a suicide bombing in Syria on Wednesday, Jan. 16.
Navy Chief Cryptologic Technician Shannon M. Kent, 35, who grew up in Pine Plains in Dutchess County, was a sailor assigned to Cryptologic Warfare Activity 66, based at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.
Other victims identified were Department of Defense civilian Scott A. Wirtz of St. Louis, Missouri and Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan R. Farmer, 37, of Boynton Beach, Florida.
The initial United States assessment is that ISIS is responsible for the bombing, according to multiple reports.
The fourth American killed in Syria was a contractor supporting the Defense Department. The Pentagon said it would not release his name since he was not in the military.
The four died "as a result of wounds sustained from a suicide improvised explosive device," according to the military.
“We mourn the death of Dutchess County’s Shannon Kent in Syria earlier this week," Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said. "May her light shine on through her friends and loved ones, and may her family find peace during this difficult time. Dutchess County will long remember Shannon’s service to our nation and her ultimate sacrifice.”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed that flags on state government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Kent. Flags will remain lowered until interment.
"The family of New York mourns the loss of Chief Petty Officer Shannon Kent, a courageous sailor who was killed in Syria earlier this week," Cuomo said. "Chief Petty Officer Kent stepped up to serve her country and dedicated herself to a life of service, following in the footsteps of her father Colonel Stephen J. Smith of the State Police.
"We owe her our eternal gratitude for her selfless dedication and sacrifice. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones."
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