1. Dasari Gopikrishna Andhra Pradesh
2. US supermarket shooting victim.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
)
In a tragic incident, Dasari Gopikrishna, a 32-year-old Indian student hailing from Andhra Pradesh, was fatally shot during a mass shooting in Arkansas, United States. The heartbreaking event occurred on Friday, 21 June, claiming the lives of four individuals and sending shockwaves through the community.
The mass shooting unfolded when a gunman attempted a robbery and opened fire in a grocery store. The chaotic scene resulted in 14 people being shot, including 11 civilians, two law enforcement officers, and the suspect himself, as reported by AP.
Details of the Grocery Store Attack
The tragic incident took place around 11:30 am on 21 June when 44-year-old Travis Eugene Posey from New Edinburg carried out a shooting spree at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, a small city in Arkansas with a population of approximately 3,200 residents.
Witnesses captured videos on their phones showing Posey in the parking lot wielding a long gun and firing indiscriminately.
Katrina Doherty, who was shopping with her daughter and son at the time of the shooting, described the harrowing experience of hearing gunshots and seeking refuge in a freezer with other terrified customers.
Roderick Rogers, a member of the city council, recounted the chaos as people ran for cover in every direction, with one individual even fleeing to a nearby hospital.
Following the shooting, law enforcement responded and engaged in gunfire with the lone suspect, resulting in his injury. The suspect now faces multiple counts of capital murder for his actions, according to Arkansas State Police.
Remembering Dasari Gopikrishna
Gopikrishna, who hailed from the Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh, had only recently moved to the US eight months ago in search of better opportunities. He was working at the gas station supermarket when the tragedy unfolded.
In a CCTV footage, the assailant can be seen entering the store and fatally shooting Gopikrishna at the billing counter. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he tragically succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning while undergoing treatment.
Gopikrishna’s family, residing in the Yajali area in the Karlapalem district of Andhra Pradesh’s Bapatla, was devastated upon receiving the news of his untimely demise. He is survived by his wife and son.
Condolences and Support
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and YSR Congress leader Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed their condolences over Gopikrishna’s tragic death. The Consulate General of India, along with Indian associations, is providing support to facilitate the repatriation of Gopikrishna’s remains to India.
The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden was briefed on the shooting incident and would continue to receive updates on the situation.
Gun Violence Crisis in the US
The recent mass shooting in Arkansas is part of a disturbing trend of gun violence in the United States. In the past weeks, there have been numerous incidents of mass shootings across the country, underscoring the urgent need for effective measures to address this crisis.
These tragic events serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge of gun violence in America, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions to prevent further loss of life.
With inputs from agencies
.
Dasari Gopikrishna Andhra Pradesh US Supermarket Shooting Firstpost.
