Nine days after a shooting killed four people and injured at least 11 others in Fordyce, Gov. Sarah Sanders met with emergency responders, community members, and laid flowers at a memorial honoring the victims.

Sanders began her visit on Sunday with a trip to Beech Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she told reporters she spoke with family members of the victims. Speaking afterwards at a press conference outside the Dallas County Sheriff's Office, Sanders said she was reminded in that moment that “we have a God that makes us whole and brings us back together.”

Sanders said Fordyce is an example of a community coming together to heal.

Governor, legislators visit Fordyce one week after deadly shooting

*Maggie Ryan/Little Rock Public Radio*
A memorial to the four people killed in a shooting at the Mad Butcher Grocery store in Fordyce, Ark.

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS:

WHEREAS: On the morning of Friday, June 21, 2024, a lone gunman opened fire at the Mad Butcher grocery store in Fordyce, Arkansas, injuring eight civilians and two law enforcement officers, and killing four;

WHEREAS: The deceased Arkansans range in age between 23 and 81. They were loved by their families and by the Fordyce community. Their loss is a tragedy for the entire State of Arkansas;

WHEREAS: The injured victims range in age between 20 and 65. Many of those at the grocery store hid in the store’s freezer to escape the gunman. Arkansans at the Mad Butcher risked their lives to help others during the shooting, showing the courage and compassion of our people. They assisted each other during the shooting and after, helping those who had sustained injuries get aid;

WHEREAS: Law enforcement responded to the scene of the crime within minutes and distracted the shooter, putting their own lives in harm’s way and preventing further tragedy before apprehending him. Two officers were injured;

WHEREAS: This tragedy has hit the small, close-knit town of Fordyce hard. Neighbors, friends, and family have come together to comfort each other in the wake of this event and offer prayer and a helping hand to anyone in need, and;

WHEREAS: Arkansans are praying for the town of Fordyce, the families of the victims, and all impacted by this senseless tragedy, and the State will continue to provide aid and resources to the community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas, do hereby order that the United States flag and the state flag of Arkansas be flown at half-staff throughout the State from sunrise to sunset on Friday, June 28, 2024, one week after the tragedy, in memory of the lives lost.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 24th day of June, in the year of our Lord 2024.