Shooting At Farm King Store In Macomb, Illinois: Gunman Dead Update: Reports are now stating that the gunman is dead by what officials are saying is a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The name was not released but the body was found by a remote controlled tactical robot.
Update: There are still no reports of injuries or deaths. It is alleged two hostages were released and were seen walking away from the store. Some reports suggest six employees were escorted out of the store. It is not clear how many people remain trapped inside. The standoff continues. It is also being reported that the gunman has a semiautomatic weapon.
Original story:
At least 20 shots have been fired at the police, as gunman remains barricaded at a Farm King store in Macomb, Illinois. The Farm King store where the shooting took place is on lock down with customers and employees allegedly trapped inside. It is being reported that they are ambulances and fire crews on site. No deaths or injuries have been reported at this point. The identity of the gunman is not known, but there are reports the gunman is a white male. The standoff continues at this time. There are unconfirmed reports that a SWAT team is about to enter the store.
More updates to follow.
Two employees are believed to be trapped inside the building, barricaded away from the shooter.
Law enforcement is asking citizens to stay away from East Jackson St. until further notice.
Police are on the scene and the area has been closed to traffic.
The Western Illinois University campus remains open. Authorities plan to hold a 3 PM news conference on Farm King shooting.
The state of Illinois held a senate primary and governor elections yesterday night.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (9)
at 12:50 on February 3rd, 2010
Suspect: Ahmet Ali Kasim, 21-year-old WIU Business major, Saudi Arabian, in US on student visa.
at 12:55 on February 3rd, 2010
Can you please support this information with factual evidence?
at 13:10 on February 3rd, 2010
This is insane. I live about 10 minutes away from macomb, and go there all the time. it's the bigger town near my small town. I can't believe this is happening. I have friends there. Hopefully no one is hurt.
at 17:22 on February 3rd, 2010
I live about 3 minutes from Farm King. I'm a high school student and we had a lockdown. Lots of people are saying the shooter killed himself.
at 13:16 on February 3rd, 2010
There is too much false information posted on here. First and foremost, Kasim is NOT a suspect, and secondly, there is no specified number of shots fired. Also, all customers were escorted to HyVee, as well as most employees. Check mcdonoughvoice for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
at 14:36 on February 3rd, 2010
The gunman is a young guy who lives in the area. He is related to a friend of our family. I am not releasing his name, but he is a trouble maker and this doesn't surprise me. The gunman is NOT a Farm King employee.
at 14:42 on February 3rd, 2010
Please note that all names and facts mentioned in the comment thread are not editorially approved, and are not part of the article.
at 19:18 on February 3rd, 2010
Thanks for the good reporting.