Biden Responds After Serial Shooting in Tate Country, Mississippi Leaves 6 Dead; Suspect in custody

President Joe Biden, responding to a series of shootings in Tate County, Mississippi on Friday that killed at least six people, said, “Thoughts and prayers are not enough.”

Officers arrested the suspect, 52-year-old Richard Crum, who is believed to have used a shotgun and two handguns to carry out a killing spree that spanned three different locations. The suspect’s motives are still unknown, according to FOX 13 Memphis.

Despite this, the President urged Congress to take action.

“Enough,” Biden’s statement began. “We are 48 days a year and our nation has already suffered at least 73 mass shootings. Thoughts and prayers are not enough.”

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US President Joe Biden in the South Court Auditorium in the White House Complex on February 16, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Biden added, “Gun violence is an epidemic and Congress must act now.”

Officials said the shooting began around 11am at a supermarket in Arkabutla when Crum allegedly killed a man in the driver’s seat of a pickup truck.

This booking photo provided by the Tate County Sherif’s Office shows Richard Dale Crum who went to prison on Friday February 17, 2023 for one count of murder. (Tate County Sherif’s Office via AP)

The victim was later identified as Chris Eugene Boyce, 59.

Boyce’s brother was in the truck with him at the time and fled. Crum chased him through nearby woods, but he 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 and her current husband wounded.

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A third shooting took place at Crum’s own home, where Lance said the deputies caught up with Crum and arrested him.

Law enforcement personnel investigate the site of multiple shootings on Arkabutla Dam Road in Arkabutla, Mississippi on Friday, February 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)

Law enforcement personnel investigate the site 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 artisans shot dead – one on the road, another in an SUV. The bodies of Crum’s stepfather and his stepfather’s sister were also found in a neighboring house.

Crum was jailed without bail on a single capital murder charge and is facing additional charges, according to FOX 13.

“Everybody has crimes, and from time to time we have violent crimes, but certainly nothing on that scale,” Lance said in an interview. “Without being able to say what triggered it, that’s the scary part.”

Deputy Tate County Coroner Ernie Lentz identified the remaining victims as Debra Crum, 60; Charles Manuel, 76; John Rorie, 59; George McCain, 73; and Lynda McCain, 78.

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Biden continued, “Jill and I mourn the six killed in today’s violence in Tate County, Mississippi — as we have for far too many Americans. We mourn with their families and with Americans across the country as gun violence continues to claim more lives. We also pray for the recovery of those injured in this horrific attack and for the survivors who will carry both grief and trauma for the rest of their lives.”

Biden also said he has ordered all federal resources made available to assist in ongoing state and local investigations.

This photo shows the Express Mart supermarket in Arkabutla, Mississippi on Friday, February 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)

The President went on to call for “sane gun law reforms” that include “background checks on all gun sales” and several other initiatives, though these are unlikely to pass in a divided Congress.

“We need — need — sane gun control reforms,” ​​Biden said. “These include background checks on all gun sales, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, closing the boyfriend loop entirely to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, requiring guns to be kept safe and removing immunity for Arms manufacturers who knowingly bring weapons of war onto our streets.”

He argued Congress could act immediately on these “common sense steps” to “save lives.”

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Biden added, “We owe action when American communities are torn apart by gun violence.”

Law enforcement personnel investigate the site of multiple shootings on Arkabutla Dam Road in Arkabutla, Mississippi on Friday, February 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said it was believed Crum acted alone.

“The person responsible was taken into custody alive. At this point, we believe he acted alone. His motive is not yet known,” Reeves wrote on Facebook. “I will ensure all resources in the state are available to law enforcement as we continue to investigate the situation.”

He added: “At this time please pray for the victims of this tragic violence and their families.”

Law enforcement personnel investigate the site 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 approximately 30 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee.

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The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assists state and local investigators.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.