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Andhra man dies in Arkansas grocery store shooting; CM Naidu expresses grief

Dasari Gopikrishna, 32, was working at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, when a gunman opened fire on June.21.

Dasari Gopikrishna, who hailed from Bapatla district in Andhra Pradesh, came to the US only eight months ago. / X/@PMuralidharRao

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on June.23 expressed deep sorrow over the death of Indian-origin man Dasari Gopikrishna, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a shooting incident in Dallas, Arkansas.

“Deeply saddened to learn that a young Dasari Gopikrishna from Bapatla has succumbed to injuries sustained in a shooting incident in USA,” he stated in a tweet. “I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and assure them that the GoAP will extend every possible support to help bring him home. We firmly stand by the family and pray for them to find strength through this difficult time.”



Gopikrishna, 32, was working at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas, when a gunman opened fire on June.21. He sustained critical injuries and died at a hospital the next day. The tragic incident, which occurred around 11.30 am, also resulted in three other deaths and nine injuries. All the deceased victims were civilians, and among the injured were two law enforcement officers.

"The actions of the suspect are most cowardly and pathetic," said Mike Hagar, the Secretary of Public Safety and Director of Arkansas state police, in a press conference on June.23. He added that "the suspect's motives are unclear."



The shooter, identified as Travis Eugene Posey, 44, from New Edinburg, was injured in a subsequent shootout with police. Posey, who is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries, will face four counts of capital murder, according to police.

Gopikrishna had only been in the United States for eight months before the incident. He is survived by his wife and son, who reside in the Yajali area of the Karlapalem district in Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh. The Andhra Pradesh government has pledged to support Gopikrishna's family in repatriating his body.

Meanwhile, Houchens Food Group, the Kentucky-based company that owns Fordyce's Mad Butcher grocery store, also released a statement following the shooting.

 

 



 

“We are deeply saddened by the shooting incident that occurred Friday at the Fordyce Mad Butcher grocery store, which is owned and operated by Houchens Food Group. We're thankful for the rapid response from local authorities who apprehended the suspect and secured the area,” it said. “Corporate and store officials are fully cooperating with law enforcement during the investigation. The store will remain closed until the investigation concludes. Please keep our employees, customers, and the Fordyce community in your thoughts and prayers.”

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