The U.S. Department of Defense has asked armed civilians guarding military recruitment centers across the country to go back home as their presence could create security risks.

In a statement released on Friday, Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said the department appreciated the public's attempt to guard recruiting facilities. However, he noted that their continued presence could present security challenges for officials.

Like Us on Facebook

"While we greatly appreciate the outpouring of support for our recruiters from the American public, we ask that individuals not stand guard at the recruiting offices as it could adversely impact out mission, and potentially create unintended security risks," Cook said. "We continue to partner with and rely on first responders for the safety of the communities where our service members live and work."

Armed civilians - mostly veterans- trooped to guard recruitment offices across the country after a 24-year-old gunman opened fire at a military reserve center and recruiting office on July 16. The incident, which happened in Chattanooga, Tennessee, left four Marines and a Navy sailor dead. Two others were injured.

According to reports, the suspected shooter, Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez, was successful in his attack because firearms are barred at the Chattanooga recruiting center as per the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act. The law prohibits the military from participating in domestic law enforcement issues. 

The risk involved in allowing civilians protect recruitment centers was highlighted on Thursday when a volunteer's AR-15 rifle mistakenly went off. The incident happened in Lancaster, Ohio, as the volunteer tried to remove ammunition from the weapon. No injuries were recorded as the gun was pointed toward the ground - however it struck the pavement. The man has since been charged with a misdemeanor.

"We felt it was prudent to issue this statement in order to help potentially prevent other incidents like this from occurring," a defense official said Friday. "The absolute last thing we want is to see any other loss of life."

The deadly Chattanooga shooting may trigger a policy change. Defense Secretary Ash Carter is reportedly analyzing methods of increasing security at military facilities - including recruiting officers.

The National Guard has since been authorized by seven governors to arm military officials on military installations.

"We take the safety of our service members, our DoD civilians and the families who support them very seriously," Cook stressed.

Preliminary investigations reveal that Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez, who was killed following a shootout with Tennessee police, may have been influenced by radical Islamists. His family, who  disagree with this version of events, say he may have been suffering from depression.

TagsChattanooga Shooting, Mohammad Youssuf Abdulazeez