An Indiana man charged with attempted murder after a shooting at a Kroger grocery store told police he "always wanted to kill somebody."
An Indiana man faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, after a shooting at a Kroger grocery store in Fort Wayne. Richard Klaff Jr., 20, allegedly went on a Facebook live stream in the store's bathroom, where he told viewers he was going to shoot eleven people.
According to court documents, Klaff Jr. exited the bathroom into the common area of the store with a gold and black handgun. He instructed viewers of the live stream to screen-record, asking them to choose which person he should shoot.
As he walked around the store, Klaff Jr. reportedly made comments, including saying he wouldn't "kill no old a-- man." He continued to show the gun to viewers and expressed his intention to "go out with a bang."
Klaff Jr. then allegedly approached the store's bakery section and shot at a customer and two employees before fleeing the scene. Police captured him at a nearby bank, and a search of a dumpster at a neighboring store revealed Klaff Jr.'s gun, phone, and wallet.
Investigators found gunshot holes on the wall above the kitchen door and two gunshot holes at waist-high to the right of where the victims were standing.
During questioning, Klaff Jr. reportedly inquired if anyone had died. When asked if he was searching for a specific person to shoot, he denied targeting the elderly but confirmed he had shot at those who were standing without cover.
Disturbingly, Klaff Jr. told police he "always wanted to kill someone," expressing a desire to serve in the military but being impatient. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
The incident has shocked the Fort Wayne community and raised concerns about the prevalence of gun violence in the United States. The Kroger store where the shooting occurred is located in a busy shopping center, and the fact that the suspect allegedly streamed the attack live adds to the disturbing nature of the crime.
Investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and are working to establish Klaff Jr.'s motive. The victims of the attack are said to be recovering from their injuries, and the community is coming together to offer support and prayers.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about the suspect's mental health and the adequacy of gun control measures in Indiana. The case serves as a chilling reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked gun violence and the need for proactive measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
