'Senseless, horrific': What officials are saying about FedEx shooting in Indianapolis
The gunman who killed eight people at an Indianapolis FedEx facility parked his vehicle, got out of his car and quickly began randomly shooting, police said during a 10:30 a.m. news conference.
Police did not identify the killer or any victims but said the gunman used a rifle. Four of the victims were found outside the facility and four were found inside. Five others were injured and transported from the scene, four of them with non-fatal gunshot wounds, IMPD Deputy Chief Craig McCartt said.
The gunman killed himself inside the facility before officers arrived, McCartt said. The incident lasted a matter of minutes, McCartt said.
Additional details were scarce at the news conference, which also included comments from Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, IMPD Chief Randal Taylor and FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan.
The FBI said they were searching a residence but would not say if it was the gunman's home.
Hogsett said White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain had reached out via text message to offer assistance. Klain is a North Central High School graduate. The shooting at the FedEx Ground Plainfield Operations Center near the Indianapolis International Airport late Thursday night was the largest mass shooting in Indianapolis in at least the past 15 years.
'Senseless, Horrific'
Hours after a gunman shot and killed eight people at a FedEx Ground Plainfield Operations Center, reaction poured in from local and state officials Friday morning.
This is what they said.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a statement that the mass casualty shooting "horrific" and "senselessly."
“This morning, Indianapolis residents are confronted with the horrific news of yet another mass shooting, an act of violence that senselessly claimed the lives of eight of our neighbors," Hogsett said. "As law enforcement works to learn more about this tragedy, our prayers are with the families of those whose lives were cut short."
"Thank you to all of our city’s first responders for their tireless work overnight," his statement continued. "Their quick response provided critical aid to those injured in the shooting and brought a measure of calm to an otherwise chaotic scene.”
Ali Brown, an Indianapolis City-County Council member said she woke up feeling angry and challenged Gov. Eric Holcomb and other state officials to address gun violence during the current legislative session.
“Like so many others, I woke up to the news of the mass shooting at the Indianapolis FedEx facility feeling heartbroken and angry. This feeling is too familiar because I understand the hurt and anguish of speaking with a loved one before work only for them never to come home," the statement said. "Now, there are eight empty chairs at dinner tables and lives have been permanently altered because of inaction and a refusal to show some proactive responsibility to a problem that’s crippled our country, Indiana, and the Indianapolis community for too long.
"It would be absolutely coldhearted of House Speaker Todd Huston, Senate President Rodric Bray, and Governor Eric Holcomb if they failed to address gun violence as the state is currently in session and able to find a solution to this problem. The conversation will be tough, but we must get a firm grip of the situation and the collective epidemic — and if that means passing background check legislation, banning automatic rifles, and advocating for other common-sense gun control measures, let’s get that done immediately."
Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Braun said: “Maureen and I just learned of the tragedy in Indianapolis when we woke up. Our hearts are mourning for the individuals who’ve senselessly lost their lives, all of their loved ones, and their co-workers at FedEx who will be dealing with this tragedy for a long time to come.”
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