The FBI investigated the case as a presumed terrorism incident, while searching for the motive behind the attack.[12] On January 13, 2020, the Department of Justice said they had officially classified the incident as an act of terrorism, motivated by "jihadist ideology."[5][4]
On February 2, 2020, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula claimed responsibility for the shooting. In an audio recording, emir of the Yemen-based group Qasim al-Raymi said they directed Alshamrani to carry out the attack.[13] On May 18, 2020, the FBI corroborated the claims.[14]
^ abJihadist Ideology; January 13, 2020; report; WEAR-TV online; retrieved January 13, 2020
^ abAG: NAS Pensacola shooter was 'a terrorist' "The Department of Justice reports...; report; January 13, 2020; Channel 23(?); retrieved January 13, 2020; quote: "...has determined that a December 6 shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola was an act of terror..."