A grocery worker who police believe shot three people, killing one, at a Stop & Shop store in West Hempstead, New York, is in police custody, reports CNN. The shooting took place in a manager’s office on an upper level of the store. Police said a couple hundred people were inside the store at the time.
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said that Gabriel DeWitt Wilson is “someone we believe is the shooter,” before Wilson was taken into custody. "He left the scene, and he was witnessed still carrying the handgun," Ryder told reporters.
According to Ryder, Wilson had worked at the store, but investigators aren't certain whether he still was employed there.
A Nassau County official told CNN that the shooting killed a store manager. Police said the person who died was 49 years old, but did not release a name.
The two wounded survivors were conscious, speaking with law enforcement, and taken to the hospital, authorities said. Full Story
“Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, our associates, customers and the first responders who have responded heroically to this tragic situation,” said Gordon Reid, president of Stop & Shop, in a statement. “At this time, we are cooperating fully with local law enforcement on the investigation. The store will remain closed until further notice, and we appreciate the Long Island community’s support during this difficult time.”
“We are devastated by the tragic shooting at the Stop & Shop in West Hempstead,” said Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW president John R. Durso, in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those, including workers and customers, who witnessed today’s horrifying events. Our priority is and always will be the physical and mental well-being of our members. Representatives of our union are on site at Stop & Shop and will be ensuring that our members have all of the support they need, including access to counseling. We encourage our members to reach out to us for anything they may need during this difficult time.
“The working people at Stop & Shop are essential workers and ensured that all of our communities, including West Hempstead, had what they needed to navigate the pandemic. The last year has been one full of resiliency, but also one of great worry. These workers have been through a tremendous amount and should never have to fear for their safety. We as a society must recognize that gun violence is a workplace safety issue and that as part of this healing, we must make changes to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. We owe it to our essential workers.”
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Image: Stop & Shop