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

June 16, 2025
This free guide will define complacency, explain individual and organizational complacency, provide insights into the contributing factors and give a high-level overview of what...
May 22, 2025
Heat stress is a serious challenge that poses immediate and long-term health effects for workers in high-temperature environments. To combat heat stress, it's critical to educate...
May 15, 2025
Foot safety is a serious concern. At your next safety meeting, give your crew eye-opening facts about feet and how proper footwear matters more than they may know. Show your team...
May 15, 2025
If reimbursing employees for safety footwear is how its always been done, maybe its time to learn about the advantages a managed footwear program can offer instead. See a ...

Voice your opinion!

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