UFCW expresses deep concern in Richland Fred Meyer shooting

RICHLAND, Wash. (Feb. 8, 2022) — An armed man opened fire in the Fred Meyer store at 101 Wellsian Way on Monday morning, killing a customer and critically injuring a store employee. After an 11-hour manhunt, the Tri-City Herald reports that Richland Police arrested the man suspected in the shooting, 39-year-old Aaron Christopher Kelly.

Justin Krumbah, a 38-year-old Instacart shopper, was identified online by friends and co-workers as the man killed in the shooting. The Fred Meyer employee who was shot remains in critical condition at Kadlec Regional Medical Center.

UFCW Locals 1439 and 21, the two biggest unions representing grocery workers in Washington, expressed deep concern for the victims and survivors of the shooting. UFCW 1439 represents workers in this store, as well as other grocery stores in eastern Washington, food processing, and other industries.

“Our communities are standing together in support of our co-workers and others in the Richland community who have been impacted by this shooting,” said Eric Renner, President of UFCW 1439. “Workers in our local grocery stores have experienced many safety concerns over the last two years under COVID. This tragic shooting is another shock to all of us. No one should have to worry about their safety when going into a store to get groceries for their family. We stand together with everyone in our community against this violence.”

“Today, and in the coming weeks, we will do whatever we can to support the workers from this store and the local community,” said Faye Guenther, President of UFCW 21, which represents workers at grocery stores in western Washington and many other industries across the state including health care workers in Richland.