Photo: Kroger on on New Byhalia Rd. in Collierville, TN; Photo Credit: Google Earth
The Tennessee Conservative [By Jason Vaughn] –
On Friday, September 24, police identified the gunman of the shooting at a Tennessee Kroger as a third-party vendor. The incident happened in Collierville, a city East of Memphis, and left two dead and fourteen injured.
One of the fatalities was the shooter, who was found in the back of the store. He was identified as 29-year-old Uk Thang. The woman who died was also identified as Olivia King, a long-time resident of the area.
In a written statement to WHBQ, King’s family said, “Our family is devastated by this senseless act of violence.”
The statement also asked for prayers “for all families and friends affected by the events today, as well as for God’s mercy on the shooter and his family.”
Police Chief Dale Lane told officials on Friday they did not have a motive for the shooter, but they are “getting a clearer picture of what occurred.”
Ten of those shot were Kroger employees and five were customers, according to Lane.
“Thankfully, our prayers were answered: We didn’t lose anybody overnight,” Lane said on Friday. “There’s still some people battling, so continue to pray for them, as well.”
According to Collierville police, the shooter was alone.
Kroger also confirmed that he was a third-party vendor, and released a company statement.
“In the hours since the shooting, we’re learning of truly heroic acts that included associates, customers and first responders selflessly helping to protect and save others,” the statement read. “We will remain forever grateful to the first responders who so bravely responded to protect our associates and customers.”
While the store will remain closed throughout the investigation, Kroger said they will continue paying employees for work missed.
Lane called the shooting the “most horrific event that’s occurred in Collierville history,” but said police were immediately on the scene.
Collierville Fire Department Chief, Buddy Billings said, “Our guys did not hesitate one minute.”
“I’ve been in fire service for 44 years … I’ve never been so proud of a group of people in my life, in my whole career,” Billings added.
Customers and workers hid in the aisles and freezers, and one worker was rescued from the roof. Witnesses reported hearing what they believed to be balloons popping before they understood what was happening.
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One witness, Jason Lusk, told CNN he saw people running from the store while leaving a tool shop beside it. He said he heard people yelling about the shooter, but did not see anything at first, so he started walking to his car.
“That’s when I heard about 10 to 15 shots fired,” Lusk explained. “Sounded like they were directly over my head. Very close proximity. Sounded to me to be a high-powered semi-automatic rifle.”
Brignetta Dickerson was working at one of the cash registers when the shooting occurred. She attempted to run out through the back along with other workers and customers.
“He kept on shooting, shooting, shooting,” Dickerson told reporters for WMC and WHBQ. “He shot one of my coworkers in the head, and then shot one of the customers in the stomach, and then my other customer got kind of like cuts because of the asphalt.”
About the Author: Jason Vaughn, Media Coordinator for The Tennessee Conservative ~ Jason previously worked for a legacy publishing company based in Crossville, TN in a variety of roles through his career. Most recently, he served as Deputy Directory for their flagship publication. Prior, he was a freelance journalist writing articles that appeared in the Herald Citizen, the Crossville Chronicle and The Oracle among others. He graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s in English-Journalism, with minors in Broadcast Journalism and History. Contact Jason at news@TennesseeConservativeNews.com
5 Responses
All in a ‘gun free zone’, correct? I’m sure Kroger’s policy is “gun free”, which means THIS BUSINESS ALLOWS OUR CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES TO BE VICTIMS OF A CRIMINAL ACT! It’s time Pro-Second Amendment advocates started having a conversation about the liability open to companies who refuse to allow their ‘trained’ employees and/or customers to ‘conceal carry’. We need to be pro-active on this matter, and emphasize how these companies open themselves up for a lawsuit for not allowing their customers and employees to protect themselves, when companies like Kroger ‘obfuscate’ their duty to do the same. If they are allowed to call themselves a ‘gun free’ zone, why are they not held liable when a criminal walks in with a gun and commits a crime? NRA where are you on this?
Kroger doesn’t have a ‘no gun’ policy; I carry concealed every time I shop there and have never seen signs posting that I can’t. People bent on violence don’t care if it’s a gun free zone or not and people who opt to protect themselves don’t let a sign stop them.
yes the store is gun free
Why should a God given Bill of Rights protected right be eliminated by an employer as a requirement while working? If it’s a right, how can an employer demand that you go unarmed as a condition of employment? Especially, if your form of business may be more prone to robbery?
This was a 24 + hr looped news, no national news picked it up. UK THANG didn’t fit the needed profile WHITE, ANGRY MALE, CHRISTIAN! Still don’t know the make of gun, but more shots fired than a handgun could, and to rapid.
The constant loud music, screaming over intercom DESTROYED the hearing of those who had Hearing Aids in. I wear them due to Meniere’s treatment, and there are NO PROGRAMS to teach Adults who loose hearing, just Deaf Children to cope. 1% of Partial Deaf use ASL. Public even less.
Why there were no Carry people in the store is puzzling!