Tennessee Mass Shooter Identified As Third-Party Vendor, Motive Unclear

Photo: Getty Images

Authorities have identified the mass shooter they say opened fire inside a Collierville, Tennessee, Kroger on Thursday (September 23).

During a press conference Friday morning, Collierville Police Chief Dale Lane refused to say the suspected shooter's name on camera, only confirming that he was a third-party vendor at the grocery store and not a direct employee, but later identified him as 29-year-old UK Thang, per WMC. Lane added that the shooter died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound as authorities arrived on scene.

After police searched the shooter's residence on Thursday, his motive remains unclear. The type of firearm used and the number of rounds fired were also not made public.

Lane is proud of the employees and customers who "knew what to do" during the shooting, hiding in freezers or closets, as well as all the authorities who quickly arrived on the scene, but he described the situation as "the most horrific event in Collierville history."

"I think I can speak for all of us," said Lane. "We have broken hearts. Nobody wants to go in that scene, I can promise you."

One person was killed and 14 others shot during the chaos that broke out Thursday afternoon. Ten victims were employees of the store while the other five were customers. The family of the slain victim identified her as Olivia King and released a statement hours after the shooting, FOX 13 Memphis reports.

"Our family is devastated by this senseless act of violence," they said. "We ask that you pray for the repose of the soul of our mother, Olivia King. We also ask everyone for their prayers for all families and friends affected by the events today, as well as for God's mercy on the shooter and his family. Thank you."


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content