Fordyce, Arkansas – Three people lost their lives and another 10 were injured in a tragic mass shooting outside a grocery store on Friday. Among the wounded were two law enforcement officers, whose injuries, thankfully, are not life-threatening. The incident unfolded at the Mad Butcher grocery store, prompting a swift response from the Arkansas State Police at 11:38 a.m. local time.
Reports indicate that upon arrival at the scene, officers found themselves in a confrontation with a lone suspect, leading to a violent exchange of gunfire. Video footage from the area captured a chilling moment when a man armed with a shotgun began firing at officers in the parking lot.
According to Arkansas Department of Public Safety Director Mike Hagar, the eight civilians wounded in the shooting sustained injuries ranging from non-life-threatening to extremely critical. Hagar assured the public in a briefing that the situation was under control and contained, with no ongoing threats to the community.
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Travis Eugene Posey of New Edinburg, Arkansas, was apprehended by authorities. After receiving treatment for his non-life-threatening injuries, Posey was taken into custody by state police on three counts of capital murder. Eyewitnesses like David Rodriguez described the scene as chaotic, with people running in all directions amid the sound of gunfire.
Following the incident, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders expressed gratitude to law enforcement and first responders for their swift actions. She acknowledged the tragic events in Fordyce and extended her prayers to the victims and those affected. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also dispatched special agents to assist with the investigation.
As details of the shooting continue to emerge, the White House released a statement commending the law enforcement officers for their bravery in confronting the suspect. The incident in Fordyce adds to a growing list of mass shootings, underscoring the ongoing challenges of gun violence in the United States.