APA Statement Regarding Shooting Death of El Paso VA Psychologist

WASHINGTON — The American Psychological Association issued the following statement regarding the shooting death of Timothy Fjordbak, PsyD:

“We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death of Dr. Timothy Fjordbak, a psychologist serving our nation's veterans at the El Paso VA Medical Center. Dr. Fjordbak was a member of the American Psychological Association for 25 years, and of our Division 40, the Society for Clinical Neuropsychology, for 18 years. On behalf of our 130,000 members and affiliates, we extend our condolences to Dr. Fjordbak's family, friends and colleagues.”

Fjordbak, 63, was shot to death Tuesday at the El Paso Veterans Affairs Health Care System at Fort Bliss, where he worked. According to news reports, Fjordbak left private practice after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks because he wanted to work with military veterans.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes nearly 130,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.