Gunman identified in Tennessee Kroger Shooting that left one dead, 14 injured

Police have identified the alleged gunman responsible for the Tennessee Kroger shooting that wounded 15 in Collierville on Thursday, Sept. 23 as UK Thang.  

Out of respect to the family and everyone involved in the tragedy, police decided to not release the suspect’s name publicly at the press conference.

The shooting occurred Thursday afternoon at the grocery store located on 240 New Byhalia Road. Thang died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound as police showed up at the scene. He likely acted alone, police said.  

Police confirmed one death, identified as Olivia King. According to Dr. Andrew Kerwin, Chief of Trauma and Critical Care at Regional One Health, three victims received emergency surgeries upon their arrival. 

The number of victims shot is now up to 15, according to Police Chief Dale Lane. Ten were Kroger employees and five were customers.  

“We removed people from freezers, closets and palettes,” said Lane. 

Firefighters on the scene were wearing ballistic helmets and vests.  

“…Because of the training, the equipment furnished to us, they saved lives,” said Chief Buddy Billings from the Collierville Fire Department. “We got in quick and got out quick.” 

“We received a total of eight patients yesterday in a short time after the event,” said Kerwin. “One of the patients is deceased and three remain in critical condition.” 

Regional One Health in Memphis, Tennessee is the only Level 1 Trauma Center in a 130-mile radius. 

Police executed a search warrant Thursday night at 885 Federal Ridge Road in Collierville, which Lane said is the suspect’s residence. They have yet to confirm if the weapon was illegally obtained. A bomb squad entered Thang’s home and checked his vehicle and backpack for explosives, but none was found. 

Police are not releasing a motive yet. However, Thang was a former third-party vendor working with the Collierville Kroger. It is not confirmed whether he was fired or not prior to the shooting. Police and FBI are investigating the relationship between Thang and Kroger.  

Thang’s past criminal history includes misdemeanor charges, but nothing for violence or anything of that nature, according to police. 

King’s family gave a statement on the tragedy. 

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

A Facebook post said King was a widow and a mother to three children. She was active in the community with her Catholic Church in Collierville. 

“This is a sweet lady that loved her 3 sons dearly, her sisters and brothers in TX, her church and friends,” said Diana Bell on Facebook. “She was so very giving to all she knew. Rest In Peace Olivia.” 

According to police, employees and customers knew what to do in the emergency. They got the call while they were having a command staff meeting. Members of the command staff were some of the first responders at the scene. 

“It’s going to be one of those ‘where were you when’ events, where people will reflect back and say where were you the day that the Kroger shooting happened?” Collierville Mayor Stan Joyner said. 

Fortunately, first responders prepared to react to the tragic incident. 

“Our team conducted active shooter training on June 4, 2021, with police from surrounding departments as well as the Collierville Fire Department,” said Lane. “The training allowed our team to integrate the fire department personnel into response operations. This improved our response on September 23.” 

Jason Lusk witnessed the shooting and he managed to capture the sound of the last shot in a video. 

“He shot off about 12 shots as I got to my car,” Lusk said on Facebook. “My phone was in the car, and I managed to video one of the shots and the police arriving.” 

Lane spoke to the extent of the tragedy. 

“This is a horrible day in Collierville,” said Lane. “Our hearts go out to the victims, families, and friends involved in the senseless tragedy. Please keep our community in your thoughts and prayers.” 

A Kroger Spokesperson made a statement on the incident. 

“We are horrified and heartbroken over the senseless violence that occurred yesterday at the Kroger store located on New Byhalia Rd. in Collierville, TN, resulting in the death of one customer as well as the assailant and injuries to several other individuals, including 10 of our associates and five customers. In the hours since the shooting, we’re learning of truly heroic acts that included associates, customers and first responders selflessly helping to protect and save others. We will remain forever grateful to the first responders who so bravely responded to protect our associates and customers. The entire Kroger family offers our thoughts, prayers and support to those impacted by this tragedy, including our associates, customers and first responders, and their families. The store will remain closed while law enforcement completes their investigation. We are continuing to provide our associates with pay as well as support through our Helping Hands fund. We’ve also initiated counseling services for our associates. Lastly, to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we continue to refer questions to the Collierville Police Department, but can confirm the identified suspect was a third-party vendor.”