American dream shattered, Indian immigrant among victims in Arkansas shooting

iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-

A tragic mass shooting at a grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas on Friday, June 21, has left four people dead, including an Indian immigrant, and wounded several others.

The incident, which occurred at the Mad Butcher grocery store around 11:30 a.m.

Among the victims was Dasari Gopikrishna, a 32-year-old man from Andhra Pradesh, India, who had moved to the United States just eight months ago in search of better opportunities. Gopikrishna, who worked at the supermarket’s check-out counter, leaves behind a wife and son.

The suspected shooter, identified as 44-year-old Travis Eugene Posey of New Edinburg, has been arrested and charged with three counts of capital murder. Additional charges are pending. Posey allegedly entered the store and opened fire indiscriminately, causing chaos and panic among shoppers and employees.

Arkansas State Police Director Col. Mike Hagar described the scene as “tragic” during a press conference. The shooting left the store and nearby vehicles riddled with bullet holes. Eyewitnesses reported people running for cover in all directions, with some even seeking refuge at a nearby hospital.

Two law enforcement officers were among the wounded after exchanging gunfire with the suspect. Their injuries, along with those of the shooter, were not life-threatening. However, other victims’ conditions ranged from “not life-threatening to extremely critical,” according to Col. Hagar.

The tragedy has drawn national attention, with Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the White House issuing statements. Governor Sanders expressed gratitude to law enforcement and first responders for their “quick and heroic action to save lives.”