Fordyce, AR — A tragic mass shooting at a local grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas, resulted in three fatalities and 14 injuries last Friday. Authorities have identified the suspect as 44-year-old Travis Posey, a resident of New Edinburg, approximately 79 miles south of Little Rock. The incident unfolded at the Mad Butcher market around 11:30 a.m., shaking the small community.
Posey was apprehended later that evening and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries after being shot during his arrest by Arkansas State Police. Following his medical release, he was transported to the Ouachita County Detention Center. In connection with the shooting, he faces three counts of capital murder. As of now, no bond or court date has been set for Posey.
During the exchange of gunfire that led to the suspect’s arrest, a total of 11 civilians and two police officers were shot. The officers sustained injuries that were not life-threatening, while several civilians were critically wounded.
Among the victims killed was 23-year-old Callie Weems, a nurse at the Dallas County Medical Center. Weems was shopping at the grocery store when she was fatally shot. The loss also extended to another family member present during the incident, marking a profound tragedy for the Weems family.
Local authorities and Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders have been actively involved, communicating with law enforcement and issuing statements of support for the victims and the community. “I have been briefed on the tragic shooting in Fordyce, and I’m in constant contact with State Police at the scene,” stated Governor Sanders. “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.”
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office echoed these sentiments in a heartfelt post, expressing deep sorrow and offering prayers for the town of Fordyce and the broader Dallas County Community. The community and local authorities are now focused on recovery and support for the affected families and individuals.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of public shootings in the United States, prompting discussions about public safety measures and gun control legislation. In light of this event, community leaders and policymakers are likely to scrutinize existing protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As Fordyce begins the process of healing, the impact of this shooting continues to reverberate through the small Arkansas community, serving as a somber reminder of the ongoing national crisis surrounding gun violence and public safety.