3 Dead, Many Injured as Gunfire Breaks Out at Mad Butcher Grocery Store in Fordyce, Arkansas
A peaceful Friday morning turned tragic as gunfire erupted at the Mad Butcher grocery store, resulting in three fatalities and leaving ten others injured, including two police officers.
The incident, which unfolded around 11:30 a.m. local time, has shocked this small community of just over 3,200 residents.
“Today’s events in Fordyce are truly heartbreaking, underscoring the ongoing challenges we face in keeping our communities safe,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in a statement following the tragic shooting.
“My heart goes out to the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time. I want to commend the swift and heroic actions of our law enforcement officers and first responders who bravely responded to the scene.”
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic and terrifying ordeal as gunshots shattered the calm of a Friday morning in Fordyce.
David Rodriguez, a resident who witnessed the events firsthand, shared his account, saying, “It was like a nightmare. People were scrambling everywhere, just trying to find safety.”
The community remains deeply shaken by the tragic events at the Mad Butcher grocery store, with residents and authorities rallying together to support those affected.
The suspected shooter, Travis Eugene Posey, a 44-year-old resident of New Edinburg, exchanged gunfire with law enforcement before they managed to arrest him.
Thankfully, both Posey and the injured officers are expected to recover from their injuries, which are reported to be non-life-threatening.
The shooting prompted a rapid response from local and state law enforcement agencies, who quickly secured the scene and provided medical assistance to the wounded.
Governor Sanders expressed her condolences, emphasizing the need for community support during this difficult time.
The incident marks yet another instance of gun violence in the United States in 2024, with over 230 mass shootings recorded by the Gun Violence Archive.
As the investigation into the motive behind the shooting continues, Fordyce residents are coming together to support those affected and to advocate for measures to prevent future tragedies.