Six dead in mass shooting as school placed in lockdown while killer on the loose
Six people have been shot dead in a small town in rural Mississippi near the Tennessee border, with a school being placed in lockdown while the killer was on the loose.
Mississippi Department of Public Safety spokesperson Bailey Martin confirmed the killings in Arkabutla, in Tate County, on Friday.
Governor Tate Reeves' office said he had been briefed on the shootings and a male suspect has been arrested.
Mr Reeves said in a statement: "I've been briefed on the series of shootings in Tate County.
"The individual responsible has been taken into custody alive. At this time, we believe he acted alone. His motive is not yet known.
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"I will ensure that the full resources of the state are available to law enforcement as we continue to investigate the situation.
"The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) has been asked to assist in this investigation.
"Please pray for the victims of this tragic violence and their families at this time."
Tate County Sheriff's dispatcher Shannon Brewer also confirmed that a suspect was in custody.
An elementary school and a high school in nearby Coldwater both went on lockdown while the suspect was being sought, according to the Coldwater Elementary School Facebook page.
A short time later, a second post on the page said the lockdown had been lifted and "all students and staff are safe".
Arkabutla lies about 30 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee, and is home to 285 residents, according to the 2020 Census.
Nearby Arkabutla Lake is a reservoir that is a popular fishing and recreational destination.
The identity of the shooter, who was found by police in a vehicle, is not known yet.
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