LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Federal authorities now confirm they're investigating whether to file hate crime charges against the man accused of killing two African Americans at the Jeffersontown Kroger.
While questions remain about what motivated suspected shooter Gregory Bush, people in Louisville are uneasy about the violence that has hit so close to home.
The Stony Brook Kroger store reopened early Friday and shopper David Burks said the attacks are still on his mind. "I hope this does not trigger other incidents like this to happen," he said.
Flowers, cards, and a sign at the door stand as reminders of the two people killed, Vickie Jones and Maurice Stallard. Investigators say 51-year-old Gregory Bush attacked at random, and there are questions about whether the shooting was motivated by hate.
"This has rattled the foundation of our community," Jeffersontown Police Chief Sam Rogers said.
One of the stories that quickly emerged from the attack was that of an armed civilian who had a shootout with Bush in the parking lot to end the rampage. But Chief Rogers says his actions were justified. "At this point, we don't see or anticipate any criminal charges being levied against him for his actions," he said.
The violence ended with cars riddled with bullets, leaving car windows shattered and shell casings littering the lot.
Barry Laws owns Open Range in Crestwood. He said in the aftermath of the Kroger shooting, gun owners with concealed carry permits need to know their rights and responsibilities.
"I want people to get involved. The deal is you have to be mindful. If you are the one getting involved, there are ramifications to your actions. You are responsible for every bullet that comes out of your gun," Laws said.
He warns that even if you're the good guy, you can face civil suits for where those stray bullets land.
"By KRS, you can use deadly harm to protect your self from great bodily harm or death or those sort of things, and you can use the same to protect somebody else. But if it's somebody else, it's as the act is actually occurring," he added. "It is really a big deal to think about, and that's why we train so highly."
Burks says he runs a barbecue truck across from this Kroger lot, and he admits he's considered arming himself. "Of course I thought about it but I don't know," he said.
It's unclear in this instance whether Kroger will provide some relief for victims. A company spokesperson said she could not discuss publicly whether the company offered financial resources for repairs or funeral expenses.
Related stories:
- Federal hate crime charges considered in Kroger shooting
- Accused Kroger shooter tried to enter nearby church before going to the store
- Jeffersontown Kroger reopens after fatal double shooting
- Family and friends remember 'beautiful' and 'selfless' victims of Jeffersontown Kroger shooting
- Accused Kroger shooter has history of mental illness and racist comments
- Ex-girlfriend of accused Kroger killer describes decades of fear and terror
- Witness shielded 12-year-old who saw grandfather gunned down at Jeffersontown Kroger
- Mayors of Louisville, Jeffersontown 'angry' over fatal shooting at east end Kroger
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