An Arkansas grocery store shooting has left a small community in devastation after three people were dead and 10 people injured, two of those including armed police officers at the Mad Butcher grocery store.
The grocery shooting incident happened on Friday, June 21, at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Swift Police Response and Containment
Authorities were advised of an active shooter at the grocery store, prompting a rapid-fire response from law enforcement.
During a news conference, Mike Hagar, Secretary of Public Safety and Director of Arkansas State Police, detailed how officers engaged in a gunfight with the lone suspect, who was later wounded and restrained. The injuries to both the officers and the suspect are not life-threatening.
Hagar assured that the situation is now secure and contained and that there are no ongoing threats to the community.
This tragic incident is part of a broader and disturbing pattern of gun violence in the United States, with the Gun Violence Archive reporting at least 234 mass shootings so far in 2024.
The recent uptick in similar incidents has been alarming, with 21 mass shootings recorded just in the past week.
Eyewitness Accounts of Chilling Grocery Shooting
Witnesses have shared chilling accounts of the chaos that erupted. David Rodriguez, who was at a nearby gas station, originally thought the gunfire was fireworks. Rodriguez added that the shots came faster, and he saw people running and became terrified with what was going on.
Matthew Gill, a meat manager at the Mad Butcher, was in the back of the store when the firing began. Gill recounted that the suspect came by and started shooting and they swiftly escaped at the back door. He added that he needs to get out there and mentioned he has a wife and kids at home.
In the parking lot, sisters Amiya and Ashiya Doherty were in their family's SUV when the shooter opened fire. Amiya recounted the horror of the incident saying the suspect shot at her mother's car and hit the tire. It was like a scene from a movie, describing how she pulled her sister down to avoid being struck by bullets.
Fordyce City Council Member Roderick Rogers was on the phone with someone inside the store when the firing took place.
"Man, it was bad," Rogers said, adding that survivors are deeply traumatized and that arrangements are being made to provide counseling.
Official Responses and Community Solidarity
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders expressed her anguish and confided in the swift actions of law enforcement. Sanders, in a statement she released, expressed her gratitude towards law enforcement and first responders for their quick and heroic conduct to save lives.
The small city of Fordyce, with a population of just 3,396, is reeling from this violent incident. Known for its close-knit community, the city is struggling to come to terms with the senseless violence that has shattered its peace.
The Arkansas State Police are continuing their investigation to uncover the motive behind the incident. As the investigation proceeds, the community remains united in its support for the victims and their families, demonstrating resilience in the face of tragedy.
This incident follows a series of violent circumstances across the nation, including recent mass shootings in California, Philadelphia, and Oakland, father pressing the critical need for effective measures to address gun violence.
Fordyce, a city now marked by anguish, is determined to heal and support each other through this tough time. As the community grieves, they also hope for a future free from similar devastating events.
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