WASHINGTON — The families of American soldiers killed and wounded by an interpreter in Afghanistan last year are suing the U.S. contractor that hired him, accusing the company of not properly testing him to ensure he was psychologically sound before giving him a job.

Filed Monday in federal court in North Carolina, the lawsuit says the interpreter, Nasir Ahmad Ahmadi, stole a rifle and shot and killed Specialist Marc Decoteau, 19, and Capt. David Johnpaul Thompson, 39. Ahmadi wounded Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Russell, 37, before an Army sergeant drew his pistol and killed Ahmadi.

Ahmadi was employed by Mission Essential Personnel of Columbus, Ohio. In a statement, the company said Ahmadi was screened thoroughly before being sent to Afghanistan and called his actions unforeseeable.

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