Washington Navy Yard marks 3 years since mass shooting

WASHINGTON - Friday marks three years since the deadly mass shootings at the Washington Navy Yard that left 12 people dead.

Military contractor Aaron Alexis shot and killed 12 people inside Building 197 before being killed by law enforcement officers. Several others were injured in the shooting.

A D.C. Federal judge has ruled that the victims' families will now be able to sue the contractors who hired the gunman. Alexis was employed as an IT consultant by The Experts Inc., a subcontractor of HP Enterprise Services LLC. Seven victims and two survivors will now be able to file suit against these contractors.

The families claim the companies should have known he was dangerous and had mental health issues.

The Navy Yard will hold a private memorial service Friday.