By Bailey Aldridge
The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Three employees were shot Tuesday morning at a manufacturing facility in Tennessee, police say.
The shooting happened just before 6 a.m. at the SmileDirectClub on Antioch Pike in Nashville, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.
Police said during a news conference streamed by WKRN that they believe a day shift employee walked into the facility during a shift change and opened fire.
Three employees were shot, and one is in critical condition, police said.
Officers responded to the facility and shot the suspected gunman, police tweeted. He was taken to a hospital, where he died, police said during the news conference.
The suspect was carrying a semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine and refused officers’ demands to drop the weapon, instead pointing it at them, police said.
An “active shooter investigation” is underway, according to police.
SmileDirectClub said in a statement to local news outlets that it is “saddened at the shooting.”
“The incident was contained quickly by security personnel on site,” the company said, according to WZTV. “The safety of our team members is a top priority for our Company and we maintain strict security protocols and a no weapons policy at all of our facilities. We are working with the local police as they investigate this matter.”
UPDATE: @MNPDNashville says 3 @smiledirectclub employees were shot. One is in critical condition. The shooter/employee was shot and killed by officers after fleeing the scene and refusing to drop his gun. Deescalation tactics were used prior to the shooting. @FOXNashville pic.twitter.com/rMjd3RTwYL
— Temple Ricke (@TempleRickeTV) August 3, 2021
— Tosin Fakile (@TosinfaksTV) August 3, 2021
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