Richard Klaff Jr. faces multiple charges related the Fort Wayne Kroger shooting, a chilling act captured on Facebook Live. Detectives reveal Klaff’s disturbing motives and the chaotic aftermath of his shooting spree.
FORT WAYNE, IN (4-minute read) — Fort Wayne Police detectives questioned Richard Klaff Jr. on Thursday following his arrest for a shooting incident at the Georgetown Square Kroger. According to the probable cause affidavit released on Friday, one of Klaff’s initial queries was if anyone had died and how many people he had shot.
During the interrogation, Klaff expressed a disturbing desire, stating he “always wanted to kill somebody,” and mentioned his impatience in waiting to join the military as a reason for his actions.
Remarkably, none of the six shots fired by Klaff hit anyone.
The Live Streaming Video of the Fort Wayne Kroger Shooting
The entire episode was broadcasted on Klaff’s Facebook Live. An edited version of this footage is available, though viewer discretion is advised. The video of the Fort Wayne Kroger Shooting can be seen below. The affidavit details that Klaff planned to shoot 11 people, declaring his intention to “go out with a bang” as he emerged from the Kroger bathroom with a firearm in hand.
This video is graphic and includes foul language. Viewer Discretion is advised.
Klaff was seen on video actively seeking a target, initially avoiding an elderly man before approaching the bakery department. There, he fired six shots at a female customer and two employees, none of which struck their intended targets.
Throughout the video, Klaff, who is white, repeatedly used racial slurs, including the n-word. The primary target in the footage appeared to be a black woman, and as he fled, Klaff shouted, “bitch n****.”
When questioned, Klaff denied targeting any individual specifically but admitted he chose his targets based on their lack of cover.
Following the shooting, Klaff fled the store, running towards a nearby Dollar General and then hiding behind a 5/3 Bank, where he was eventually apprehended by officers near a dumpster. Klaff confessed to hiding his firearm in the Dollar General dumpster, which was subsequently recovered by the police.
Klaff now faces three counts of attempted murder and one count of criminal recklessness with a deadly firearm.
What To Learn from the Fort Wayne Kroger shooting
Anyone could have easily been Richard Klaff Jr.’s target during the Fort Wayne Kroger shooting, as he specifically looked for individuals standing in open areas with little cover. This incident underscores the critical need for situational awareness; understanding your environment and identifying potential threats can be lifesaving. Moreover, responsibly carrying a firearm can provide a means of self-defense in such unpredictable and dangerous situations, offering a level of protection until law enforcement arrives.
Safety Tip: Always be aware of your surroundings and know the nearest exits in any public place. In an active shooter situation, remember to “Run, Hide, Fight (Shoot).”
