Supermarket cashier shot dead in US state of Georgia over nose and mouth mask dispute
15 June, 2021
A woman behind a supermarket checkout in the US state of Georgia was shot dead by a person on Monday in a dispute over wearing a nose and mouth mask, the local sheriff said.
The customer was then in a gunfight with the shop's security guard, in which they were both wounded. Another cashier, also a woman, was grazed by a bullet.
The violence occurred soon after 1pm at the Big Bear Supermarket in DeKalb County, Sheriff Melody Maddox said.
"It had been over a mask," Ms Maddox said. "I have no idea if indeed they were wearing or not wearing.
"The wearing of the mask and not wearing of the mask, persons have their own thoughts and opinions about it and it is very sensitive at the moment."
Several people were inside store when the confrontation began. The gunman walked out, then returned, pulled out his weapon and shot the cashier.
The security guard opened fire on him, striking him once or twice, Ms Maddox said.
Businesses in Georgia can request that customers wear a mask to avoid the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
But they aren't allowed to insist they do so, according to executive orders issued by Governor Brian Kemp, a Republican.
Ms Maddox didn't release the names of the persons mixed up in shooting.
She said all three were rushed to a healthcare facility, where in fact the guard remains in stable condition after he was shot twice.
The security guard is a retired 30-year veteran of the DeKalb County Police Department who is now a reserve deputy with the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office.
The guard, who works part-time at the supermarket, was wearing a protective vest, Ms Maddox said.
Source: www.thenationalnews.com
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