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Collierville Kroger store shooting: 13 injured, 2 dead including gunman

A gunman opened fire inside a Tennessee grocery store killing 1 and injuring 13 others. The gunman died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound

COLLIERVILLE, TENNESSEE: A gunfire erupted inside a grocery store on Thursday, September 23, killing one person and injuring at least 12. The shooter allegedly shot and killed himself shortly after. Officers responded to a report of a shooting at 1:30 pm inside a Kroger store in Collierville about 30 miles east of Memphis.

The Collierville police chief, Dale Lane informed in a press conference the attacker died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. However, he declined to comment if the attacker had been an employee at the store. He noted that the injuries to the victims were "very serious" and the shooting was "the most horrific event that has occurred in Collierville history". Lane further said that officers went from aisle to aisle and room to room, helping injured victims and escorting employees out of hiding, some of whom hid in freezers and locked offices when the gunfire erupted. "We found people hiding in freezers, in locked offices. They were doing what they had been trained to do: run, hide, fight, " he said.

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Chief Lane further told reporters, "I've been involved in this for 34 years and I've never seen anything like it." He then added that investigators are working upon the incident and said, "It's going to take a little bit before we know what happened." "Let's get through the investigation. Remember, we're two hours away from the most horrific event that's occurred in Collierville history, " Lane added. Among those shot, 12 were taken to hospitals, some with very serious injuries. The identities of the shooter and the victims were not immediately released.

Senator Bill Hagerty reflected on the incident and said, "Tragic news out of Collierville, TN, that I'm closely monitoring. I'm grateful to law enforcement & first responders for their heroic actions. Chrissy & I are praying for the victims & this TN community that is hurting. My office is available to anyone needing assistance."

The Collierville police later detailed the tragic incident in their press release. They revealed how they received "information from callers that a male individual was armed with a weapon shooting at others inside the store. First officers on the scene encountered multiple shoppers and employees, some shot by the suspect." 

"At this time, we believe that a single suspect is responsible for the attack. He was in the rear of the store with what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound and is dead. One other victim has also died. This is a horrible day in Collierville. Our hearts go out to the victims, families, and friends involved in the senseless tragedy. Please keep our community in your thoughts and prayers,” said Chief Dale Lane. “At this time, there are no known threats to the Collierville community and our department is working diligently to prevent further violence."

The Collierville Police Department has been joined in the investigation by local, state, and federal agencies. This is an ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.