Fifteen People Shot and One Killed in Tennessee Kroger Shooting

Fifteen people were shot and one was killed in a mass shooting at Kroger grocery store in Collierville, Tennessee on Thursday, Sept. 23, according to police. 

The accused gunman, who police have identified as 29-year-old UK Thang, took his own life at the scene. According to Collierville Police, Thang was a third-party vendor for Kroger. Police confirmed that they are investigating if Thang was a disgruntled employee. 

Police identified the fatality as Olivia King. King was a widowed mother of three. 

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

The other victims included 10 Kroger employees and five customers, according to police. Three victims are in critical condition at Regional One Health Medical Center. 

“We were able to mobilize all the patients and resources needed in order to take care of this mass casualty situation,” said Dr. Martin Croce, Regional One chief medical officer, at a press conference. 

At a news conference Friday, Sept. 24, Collierville Police Chief Dale Lane said that police arrived four minutes after they received the call at a grand staff meeting. The shooting was over minutes after the police’s arrival.

According to Lane, the FBI was at the scene. There were firefighters in bulletproof vests, which was the first time Lane had seen this in his 35-year career. 

“For the town of Collierville, it’s going to be one of those ‘where were you when’ events,” Lane said. “People will look back and say, ‘where were you when the Kroger shooting happened?’”

The Kroger employees and customers knew what to do in the moment of fear, according to Lane. 

“We removed people from freezers, closets, in between pallets and groceries,” said Lane. “People knew what to do.”

Lane did not reveal the identity of the shooter in the conference but police later revealed it in an official statement. He also did not reveal any potential motive or what weapon was used in the attack.

“I’m not giving him notoriety,” Lane said. 

Police checked a vehicle and a backpack at the scene for explosives. There were no explosives found. However, police are still investigating the electronic evidence and the scene is still being processed. Police are still in the process of interviewing other potential witnesses.

Lane added that officers have been left heartbroken when asked about the emotions of the Collierville Police. 

“That could have been my wife or my kids in that building,” Lane said. “That’s the way you’ve got to think about it.”

Lane attributes the effectiveness of the police’s performance to recent training that took place in the summer. 

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

Collierville Mayor Stan Joyner was at the scene to express his condolences to the victims and to praise first responders for their efficient efforts.

“I want to give a special thanks to our first responders, our Police Department, and our Fire Department,” Joyner said. “They made us so proud with their response to this tragic event and we appreciate all that they do every single day.”

Dr. Andy Kerwin, the chief of trauma at Regional One Medical Center, praised the work that the doctors and nurses had done on the day of the attack. 

“I don’t think anyone is ever truly prepared to get 15 gunshot wounds or a mass casualty event,” Kerwin said. “You rehearse, you practice… it’s not only physically damaging but emotionally and physically as well.” 

The Collierville Police Department is in the process of setting up critical stress debriefing for the employees involved in the event. Police say that the Town of Collierville met with Kroger officials to discuss how they will provide additional community and staff support. 

The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, Kroger Delta Division and the National Compassion Fund announced the establishment of the Collierville’s Survivor Fund. 

The City of Collierville website stated that all donated funds will be distributed to King’s family, as well as those injured. Additionally, those who were present in the store and experienced psychological trauma will also be benefited. 

“We are honored to join forces with the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis and VictimsFirst to increase charitable giving and help meet the overwhelming needs of the survivors of this atrocity,” said Jeffrey Dion, executive director of the National Compassion Fund. “We stand in solidarity with all of those impacted by gun violence.”