President Joe Biden responded to a series of shootings in Tate County, Mississippi, that left at least six people dead on Friday, saying “thoughts and prayers are not enough.”
Authorities detained the suspect, Richard Crum, 52, who is believed to have used a shotgun and two handguns to carry out a shooting that spanned three different locations. The suspect’s motives are still unknown, according to FOX 13 Memphis.
However, the president demanded that Congress take action.
“Enough,” Biden’s statement began. “We are 48 days into the year and our nation has already suffered at least 73 mass shootings. Thoughts and prayers are not enough.”
WHITE HOUSE DOCTOR SAYS BIDEN ‘FIT TO SERVE’ AS PRESIDENT: ‘HEALTHY, VIGOROUS, 80 YEARS OLD’
US President Joe Biden in the South Court Auditorium in the White House complex February 16, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Biden added: “Gun violence is an epidemic and Congress must act now.”
Authorities said the shootings began at a convenience store in Arkabutla around 11 a.m., when Crum allegedly killed a man in the driver’s seat of a pickup truck.
This file photo provided by the Tate County Sheriff’s Office shows Richard Dale Crum, who was jailed on a capital murder charge on Friday, February 17, 2023. (Tate County Sheriff’s Office via AP)
The victim was later identified as 59-year-old Chris Eugene Boyce.
Boyce’s brother was in the van with him at the time and fled. Crum gave chase into the nearby woods but escaped unharmed, Tate County Sheriff Brad Lance said.
A second shooting was reported at 800 Bend Road, a few miles away. Authorities arrived at the home to find Crum’s ex-wife shot to death and her current husband wounded.
BLOODY LAS VEGAS DATE IN IRANIAN REVENGE PLOT ENDS WITH COLLEGE EXPULSION SUSPECT ENROLLED DURING HOUSE ARREST
A third shooting occurred at Crum’s own home, where Lance said officers caught up with Crum and arrested him.
Law enforcement personnel investigate the scene of multiple shootings on Arkabutla Dam Road in Arkabutla, Mississippi, on Friday, February 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)
Law enforcement personnel investigate the scene of multiple shootings on Arkabutla Dam Road in Arkabutla, Mississippi, on Friday, February 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)
Behind the residence, they found two workmen shot to death, one on the road and one in a pickup truck. Inside a neighboring house, the bodies of Crum’s stepfather and his stepfather’s sister were also found.
Crum was jailed without bail on a single count of capital murder and will face additional charges, according to FOX 13.
“Everybody has crime, and from time to time we have violent crime, but certainly nothing of this magnitude,” Lance said in an interview. “Without being able to say what triggered this, that’s the scary part.”
Tate County Deputy Coroner Ernie Lentz identified the remaining victims as Debra Crum, 60; Carlos Manuel, 76; John Rorie, 59; George McCain, 73; and Lynda McCain, 78.
VIOLENT CRIME IN CALIFORNIA TRIPLED AS SUSPECTS GO FREE WITHOUT BAIL: REFORM STUDY
Biden continued: “Jill and I mourn the six killed in today’s violence in Tate County, Mississippi, as we have mourned far too many Americans. We mourn with their families and with Americans across the country as gun violence claims even more lives. We are also praying for the recovery of those injured in this horrific attack, and for the survivors who will carry pain and trauma with them for the rest of their lives.”
Biden also said that he has ordered that all federal resources be made available to assist in the ongoing state and local investigation.
This photo shows the Express Mart convenience store in Arkabutla, Mississippi, on Friday, February 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)
The president called for “common sense gun law reforms” including “background checks on all gun sales” and various other initiatives, though they are unlikely to pass in a divided Congress.
“We need, we need, common sense gun reforms,” Biden said. “That includes requiring background checks on all gun sales, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, completely closing the boyfriend/girlfriend loophole to keep guns out of the reach of domestic abusers, requiring storage gun insurance and remove immunity for gun manufacturers who knowingly put weapons of war on our streets.
He argued that Congress could act on these “common sense steps” immediately to “save lives.”
LOS ANGELES GIVES GEORGE GASCON ‘EXPASSES HIS AUTHORITY’, CAN’T IGNORE CALIFORNIA LAW, COURT RULES
Biden added: “We owe action to American communities that are being torn apart by gun violence.”
Law enforcement personnel investigate the scene of multiple shootings on Arkabutla Dam Road in Arkabutla, Mississippi, on Friday, February 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Crum is believed to have acted alone.
“The individual responsible has been taken into custody alive. At this time, we believe that he acted alone. His motive is still unknown,” Reeves wrote on Facebook. “I will ensure that all state resources are available to law enforcement as we continue to investigate the situation.”
He added: “Let us pray for the victims of this tragic violence and their families at this time.”
Law enforcement personnel investigate the scene of multiple shootings on Arkabutla Dam Road in Arkabutla, Mississippi, on Friday, February 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)
Arkabutla is home to approximately 285 people and is located about 30 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting state and local investigators.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
