Mass Shooting leaves 1 dead in Collierville Tennesee

Uk Thang, 29, was responsible for the mass shooting that occurred on Sept. 23 in Collierville, Tennessee said police.

There were 15 victims in the shooting; of the 15, 10 were employees and five were customers. 14 victims were wounded, and Olivia King died after initially being in critical condition. Eight of the wounded patients were transported to Regional one health, including King. Six of the eight patients are still in the hospital and three of those six are in critical condition. The other victim was released.

“We have broken hearts,” said Police Chief Dale Lane.

Lane took the first chance he could to lift up Olivia King and her family. Lane asked that people remember her and her family in their prayers. Lane did not want to give the shooter’s name because he did not want to give Thang any notoriety.

“Our family is devastated by this senseless act of violence,” King family’s statement read. “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.” said  Kings family.

In response to the death of King Mayor Stan Joyner proclaimed a time of prayer and meditation. The gathering will be held Thursday, Sept. 30 at 1:30 p.m. as a unified show of respect for Olivia King and everyone affected by the shooting.

There will also be a Collierville Survivors Fund dedicated to the victims of the shooting. The Fund was created by The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, Kroger Delta Division and the National Compassion Fund.

“It was over in a matter of minutes.” said Lane.

Thang was found dead at the scene by self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Thang also had multiple misdemeanors on his record before the shooting said Lane. Lane said that the residence of Thang, 885 Federal Ridge Road, is being searched and electronics have been secured.

“Not a blue uniform hesitated,” said Lane.

Lane said that the response to the crisis was almost instant. Lane said that a citizen flagged down a police car and said that there had been a shooting at Kroger. He went on to say that the first call came in just four minutes after the shooting.

“One main lesson learned is you don’t want to be building relationships during the time of crisis,” said Lane.

Lane said people in law enforcement and the fire department all came together to aid in any way they could. The Collierville fire department had ballistic helmets and vests on to go to the scene. Shelby county off-duty firemen got in ambulances to help and some officers self-deployed.

“There is no doubt in my mind that training served us well yesterday,” said Lane.

Lane said that training took place on June fourth with neighboring police forces as well as the Collierville fire department.

“I have never been so proud of a group of people in my whole life,” Said Fire Chief Buddy Billings

Billings highlighted the training and said that the training saved lives. He also says that the training helped them get in and out quickly during the crisis.

“We cannot let them win,” said Lane.

Lane said that the Collierville community should not forget but try to move past the events that happened. He said that citizens should not live in fear.

Lane said that citizens should stay vigilant, have a plan and be involved. He went to say that a plan of action is to first run, then hide and if you have to fight. Lane also says that you should know your exits when entering a building. Lane also said that citizens should call if they feel something is not right and that they will do their job to find out if a situation is wrong.

“We can be proud of our system because it works and works well,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Martin Croce

Croce said that every section of the trauma center that day worked as a team to accomplish what was needed during the crisis. Croce also noted that the way this situation was handled highlighted their legacy as being the number one trauma center.

Croce also said that other hospitals in the area were cooperative during the time of crisis. He said that when there are that many people needing immediate assistance other hospitals will take some of their patients to make room for people in critical condition.

“We plan, we train for these mass surge events,” said trauma medical director Dr. Peter Fisher

Fisher said that they had not drilled for a crisis like this a year and a half due to COVID. Fisher said that even though that was the case they still handled the crisis phenomenally well.