FORDYCE, Ark. — Nearly a week after a tragic mass shooting at a grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas, Houchens Food Group — the owners of Mad Butcher — announced that they're working with local and state food pantries to aid the Fordyce community. They said that they expect the grocery store to reopen "in the coming week."
This decision comes nearly a week after 14 people were shot by a gunman during a tragic mass shooting at Mad Butcher in Fordyce on Friday, June 21.
Houchens Food Group, which is based out of Kentucky, shared that they'll be donating food to those in the community who need it and announced that they will also be offering community counseling services as well.
"To meet the nutritional needs of the local community, Houchens Food Group is working with state and local food pantries to donate fresh food offerings as well as extending community counseling services through Pinnacle Point Behavioral Healthcare," the group said in a press release.
The group said that the decision came after they held a meeting on June 25 with local Mad Butcher employee-owners to discuss the communties' "readiness in opening [its] doors to the public again."
"We remain committed to serving the Fordyce community and are honored our store opening is considered a vital part of the healing process," Houchens Food Group said.
This announcement comes nearly a week after more than a dozen people were shot during a tragic mass shooting at Mad Butcher in Fordyce on Friday, June 21.
In total, 15 people were shot, including two local police officers and the suspect who opened fire at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce around 11:38 a.m. on Friday.
Four people were killed, and 11 others were wounded. Arkansas State Police Col. Mike Hagar said the two police officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
"It's tragic, and our hearts are broken," Hagar said. "Our prayers, along with Governor Sanders and the entire state of Arkansas, will be with this community and those affected victims."