Workplace Shooting Leaves Six Dead in Mississippi

July 8, 2003
Violence has erupted at another U.S. workplace. A Lockheed Martin facility in Meridian, Miss., was the site of a shooting spree that killed five workers and left the shooter dead.

Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie said the gunman, a Lockheed Martin employee, brought a shotgun and a semiautomatic rifle to the plant, where he opened fire. He killed five coworkers before turning the gun on himself. The sheriff would not release the gunman's name.

The shooting began about 10 a.m. today, and the victims were apparently chosen at random.

"We are not sure if those killed were friend or foe," Sollie told the Associated Press.

Lockheend Martin employs about 100 workers at the facility, which builds jet components. A statement released by Lockheed Martin confirmed the shooting deaths and indicated a number of other employees were injured.

"We are shocked and saddened by this tragedy and express our deepest sympathies to the families," said the statement. The company indicated it would cooperate with local and state law enforcement agencies in their investigations.

About the Author

Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.

Sponsored Recommendations

10 Facts About the State of Workplace Safety in the U.S.

July 12, 2024
Workplace safety in the U.S. has improved over the past 50 years, but progress has recently stalled. This report from the AFL-CIO highlights key challenges.

Free Webinar: ISO 45001 – A Commitment to Occupational Health, Safety & Personal Wellness

May 30, 2024
Secure a safer and more productive workplace using proven Management Systems ISO 45001 and ISO 45003.

ISO 45003 – Psychological Health and Safety at Work

May 30, 2024
ISO 45003 offers a comprehensive framework to expand your existing occupational health and safety program, helping you mitigate psychosocial risks and promote overall employee...

Case Study: Improve TRIR from 4+ to 1 with EHS Solution and Safety Training

May 29, 2024
Safety training and EHS solutions improve TRIR for Complete Mechanical Services, leading to increased business. Moving incidents, training, and other EHS procedures into the digital...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!