Fordyce, Arkansas – A tragic incident unfolded at a Fordyce grocery store on Friday morning, resulting in three fatalities and 11 individuals sustaining injuries, including the suspected shooter and two law enforcement officers, according to Arkansas State Police.
During an afternoon press conference held near the scene of the shooting, ASP Director Mike Hagar disclosed that the suspect and the law enforcement officers had non-life-threatening injuries. The condition of the remaining victims ranged from non-life-threatening to extremely critical.
Travis “Joey” Posey was identified as the suspected shooter by State Police later on. Posey, who is listed as the owner of Posey Tree Service in Kingsland, faces three counts of first-degree murder, as confirmed by ASP through a press release.
The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. at the Mad Butcher, a local grocery store, situated in a small shopping center in Fordyce. The town, with a population of 3,238 in 2022, is located approximately an hour south of Little Rock in Dallas County.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders expressed gratitude for the heroic actions of law enforcement and first responders in a social media post. She extended her prayers to the victims affected by the shooting.
The tragic event reignited discussions about gun violence in the United States, with advocates like Anna Morshedi and Insherah Qazi from Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action calling for meaningful action to address the ongoing crisis.
Arkansas holds the title of having the weakest gun laws in the nation. With statistics showing the state ranks poorly on gun safety, advocates are pushing for legislative changes to prevent further loss of lives due to gun violence.
Legislators in Arkansas made amendments to gun laws in recent years, including repealing the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed weapon and clarifying licensing rules for individuals who travel to other states. The state’s gun death rate remains concerning, prompting advocates to urge lawmakers to prioritize public safety.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the urgent need for comprehensive gun safety measures to protect communities across the state and the country.