Three people were also wounded in the attacks. The perpetrator, Ezekiel Kelly, was arrested.

The city is in lockdown

Earlier today, police urged residents to stay home until the “armed and dangerous” suspect is arrested. “We are receiving reports that he is recording his actions on Facebook,” police said at the time.

The lockdown in most parts of the city center lasted for two hours. Bus and coach services were suspended until the arrest of the suspect. The University of Memphis also closed its doors because Kelly was driving there.

attempted murder

It was already possible to post at least one of the shootings to Facebook. A short video is said to show a man muttering “this is real” and using vulgar language as he opens a shop door. Then he shot twice at the first person to appear.

Kelly has been in trouble with the law before. After being charged with attempted murder, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of aggravated assault in April 2021. Memphis Mayor Strickland told an emotional news conference after Kelly’s arrest that he was sentenced to three years in prison but only served 11 months and was released in March.

“Had Mr. Kelly served his full three-year sentence, he would still be in prison today and four of our fellow citizens would still be alive.”