Suspect Identified and Family in Mourning Following the Kroger Store Shooting in Tennessee

The suspect has been identified as Uk Thang in the mass shooting at a local Kroger store in Collierville, Tennessee, which left 14 people injured and one dead. 

Located 30 miles from Memphis, Tennessee, the citizens of the town of Collierville had never seen anything like this. At around 1:30 p.m. the town experienced shock and sadness. 

According to Collierville Police Chief Dale Lane, multiple victims were found hiding in freezers and locked offices. Most of the victims were store employees, with five of the victims being customers. Lane initially refused to release the identity of the shooter. 

 “I’m not going to give you his name today,” said Lane during the press conference. “I’m not giving him notoriety on this platform.”

The identity of the shooter has now been released as Uk Thang, a 29-year-old man, who was a third-party vendor for Kroger. Thang’s body was found dead at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Lane. It was revealed that Thang had one prior misdemeanor, but no prior offenses or criminal history related to violence. 

The deceased victim was identified as Olivia King, a widowed and loved mother leaving behind her three children.

According to Lane, a citizen in the Kroger parking lot flagged down a police officer and informed them about the shooting, which prompted the police officer to investigate where the shooting was taking place. 

Lane said police officers soon arrived at the parking lot, secured the scene, and went aisle by aisle inside the store searching for injured victims. 

“They were doing what they had been trained to do — run, hide, fight,” said Lane. 

The police believe the shooter took his life minutes after hearing the police sirens arriving on the scene. 

Now, Thang’s motive and reasons for the shooting are unknown and an investigation is ongoing. A collaboration between the Collierville Police Department, Sheriff’s SWAT team, and the FBI executed a search warrant to process all electronic evidence gathered at the shooter’s residence, following the deadly shooting. 

Officials attributed first responders’ management and organization of the scene to the active shooter training they previously underwent.​​

“The guys yesterday because of the training with the equipment furnished to us, they saved lives,” said Collierville Fire Department Chief Buddy Billin. “We got in quick and got out quick.” 

Collierville Mayor Stan Joyner commended local businesses, pastors, and restaurants that came together to offer support to the community. 

“For the town of Collierville, I think this is going to be one of those ‘where were you when’ events,” said Mayor Joyner.

The victim’s family released the following statement.

“Our family is devastated by this senseless act of violence. 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.”

Regional One Health received eight patients after the event, one who was identified as the deceased, Olivia King. Six patients are still being treated in the hospital and three of them are in critical condition.

Regional One Health medical officials said that teamwork is why they were able to function and act accordingly. They also credit their staff for their fast-response and diligence.

 “We enacted our disaster plan to mobilize patients that were already in the hospital and in our trauma receiving areas, to free up space to get those patients in and get them assessed, treated and stabilized,” said Chief of Trauma Dr. Andy Kerwin, Regional One Health.

“We plan and train for these mass-surge events,” said Peter E. Fischer MD, Regional One. “We have been working very hard for the last five years on our plan.” 

As a message to employees of the store and community members, Lane said to not live in a state of fear. He said that officials are going to do everything they can to support the team at Kroger and the police with be helping store employees with victim assistance. 

“I would encourage the community to not live in fear, this stuff is a tragedy, and we can’t let them win,” said Lane. “Be alert and be vigilant.”

Lane also offered situational awareness advice about what to do in dangerous situations. Rather than living in fear, he said to have a plan when going out somewhere and suggested for people to identify their nearest exits to be prepared if a situation similar to this one occurs again. 

Following the aftermath of the shooting, the Collierville Police Department released this statement to the Collierville community and victims of the shooting. 

“We are grateful for the immediate and professional response from the Collierville Police and Fire Departments, and the support from our neighboring local, state, and federal law enforcement. “We are praying for the victims and our entire community.”