Three people were killed and 11 others injured in a tragic shooting at a grocery store in Central Arkansas on Friday morning, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The incident took place at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce around 11:30 a.m., when a shooter opened fire, causing chaos and devastation. The Arkansas State Police swiftly responded to the scene and were able to apprehend the gunman, who was injured during the confrontation.
Among the injured were two law enforcement officers, whose injuries were fortunately not life-threatening. The conditions of the other victims ranged from not life-threatening to extremely critical, according to Mike Hagar, the director of Arkansas State Police.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, leaving many questions unanswered as the community tries to make sense of the senseless violence that occurred.
The suspected shooter was identified as Travis Eugene Posey, 44, of New Edinburg, a nearby community. He will be facing three counts of capital murder, with additional charges pending as the investigation continues.
Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene, with video and images circulating on social media showing bullet holes in the store’s window and shots being fired from the parking lot. David Rodriguez, who was nearby at a gas station, recounted hearing the gunfire and capturing the terrifying moment on his phone before fleeing for safety.
Matt Gill, a butcher working at the store during the shooting, recalled the confusion and fear that gripped the employees as they tried to escape the danger.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders expressed her gratitude to law enforcement and first responders for their swift and heroic actions in saving lives during the tragic event. The small city of Fordyce, with a population of about 3,300 residents, is now grappling with the aftermath of the shooting as they come together to support one another in this difficult time.
