A gunman reportedly carrying an AR-style rifle opened fire at the FOX13 station in Memphis, Tennessee, on Tuesday before barricading himself in a local restaurant. Police said the suspect is now in custody. No injuries were reported.
Just after 11:15 a.m. local time, the shooter fired into the news station, according to FOX13. Memphis Police Department officers and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) immediately responded to incident and asked the public to “stay out of the area until the situation has been resolved.”
FOX13’s Shelia O’Connor tweeted, “A guy fired shots towards our station this morning. You can see the bullet hole in the picture. He’s currently locked himself inside a nearby business. No employees or staff members were hit or injured.”
The alleged shooter’s parents contacted FOX13 to explain that they son was suffering through a mental health episode.
“His mamma going to get him some help, today,” one person familiar with the shooter said. “This is a reflection of why his daddy should have been there. You teach your boys how to be men. They need their fathers… It has not been an easy road for me, as a parent.”
University of Memphis, which is located across the street from FOX13, issued a statement warning students, faculty, staff and visitors about the situation.
“As of 12:30 PM on 05/02/23, the armed party is barricaded at 521 South Highland. There is a heavy police presence and Highland is shut down. All faculty, staff and students may resume normal campus activity, but are advised to remain clear of the ongoing police activity and avoid Highland,” the statement read. “University officers are on patrol and in communication with the Memphis Police Department regarding the situation.”
This was a breaking news story. The details were periodically updated as more information became available.
