FORDYCE, Ark. — Authorities in Fordyce responded to a shooting outside of a local grocery store where multiple victims were shot on Friday, the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office confirmed.
Police said the incident happened at the Mad Butcher grocery store around 11:38 a.m. on Friday.
Arkansas State Police have said that 12 civilians were shot, with four of those being fatal. Additionally, two officers were shot and suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
ASP also confirmed that the shooter, 44-year-old Travis Posey of New Edinburg, suffered non-life-threatening injuries after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement before being taken into custody.
Posey will be charged with four counts of capital murder, with additional charges pending. He is being held at the Ouachita County Detention Center.
Officials say he was armed with a 12-gauge shotgun and a pistol. He also had a bandolier that held dozens of extra shotgun rounds. Police also believe most, if not all, of the rounds were fired from the shotgun.
Investigators with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office were initially called to assist Dallas County authorities with the incident.
Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedel has since confirmed that the incident has been "contained."
"We will never understand why this happens," Knoedl said. "To the families of the victims, my heartfelt prayers and utmost sorrows are extended. I ask that all of you pray for them as they navigate this extremely difficult time."
Following the incident, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders posted online that she has been in contact with local authorities and said that her prayers are with those impacted.
"I have been briefed on the tragic shooting in Fordyce, and I’m in constant contact with State Police at the scene," Gov. Sanders said. "I am thankful to law enforcement and first responders for their quick and heroic action to save lives. My prayers are with the victims and all those impacted by this horrific incident."
Authorities have not clarified if the shooting happened inside or outside the grocery store.
"It's tragic, and our hearts are broken," Arkansas State Police Col. Mike Hagar said. "Our prayers, along with Governor Sanders and the entire state of Arkansas, will be with this community and those affected victims."
We spoke to members of the community who shared their shock at Friday's tragic incident, with one woman even recalling having to hide in a freezer at Mad Butcher.
Videos posted on social media showed at least one person lying in the parking lot, while another captured multiple gunshots ringing out.
58-year-old David Rodriguez, who captured one of the viral social media videos, had stopped at a local gas station in Fordyce when he thought he heard fireworks from a nearby vendor.
"We heard a few little pops," Rodriguez said.
He said people then started to run from the Mad Butcher grocery store into the parking lot, which is when he pulled out his phone and started recording.
"The police started to show up," Rodriguez said. "Then there was massive gunfire and ambulances pulling up... the bullets were just flying."
On June 25, Houchens Food Group, the owners of the Mad Butcher grocery store released the following statement regarding the tragic incident:
"On June 21, 2024, a random act of violence occurred at Mad Butcher Grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas which has now resulted in four deaths and injuries to several individuals. We continue to work with local law enforcement and remain focused on supporting our impacted employee-owners through this difficult time. To meet the nutritional needs of the local community, Houchens Food Group is working with state and local food pantries to donate fresh food offerings as well as extending community counseling services through Pinnacle Point Behavioral Healthcare. On June 25, 2024, Houchens Food Group corporate, regional, and local Mad Butcher employee/owners held a community meeting with over forty state and local officials as well as Fordcye clergy leadership to actively listen and understand the communities' readiness in opening our doors to the public again. We are grateful for the valuable input received, heard the need, and are actively planning to offer limited hours of operation in the coming week. We remain committed to serving the Fordyce community and are honored our store opening is considered a vital part of the healing process."
Click here for a detailed breakdown of everything we know about the incident.
We will update this article as more information becomes available.