Kansas Company Shooting Leaves 14 Injured And 4 Dead Including Gunman

By Carlo Monzon
Cedric Ford
Photo of Cedric Ford from his Facebook account Facebook / Cedric Ford

A mass shooting in Kansas carried out by a disgruntled employee has left 14 people injured and three others dead. The incident ended when law enforcers shot and killed the gunman, who has been identified as 38-year-old Cedric Ford.

According to authorities, the incident began at 5 p.m. on Thursday after Ford, who was inside his car, shot a male pedestrian on the shoulder. Then, the suspect proceeded to an intersection where he wounded another victim in the leg and stole his car, CNN reported.

Ford then headed over to Excel Industries in Hesston, the lawn mower manufacturing plant where he worked. Upon entering the company's parking lot, he immediately shot an unsuspecting bystander. He then went inside the building where he opened fire on anyone he saw.

"I took off running," Ford's co-worker Marin Espinoza told the Associated Press according to Fox News. "He came outside after a few people, shot outside a few times, shot at the officers coming onto the scene at the moment and then reloaded in front of the company."

"After he reloaded he went inside the lobby in front of the building and that is the last I seen him," he added.

The ordeal ended after a police officer entered the building and directly confronted Ford, NY Daily News has learned.

Law enforcers have not yet revealed what type of firearm Ford used in the shooting. But according to eyewitnesses, he wielded a long assault-style rifle. Also, some of his Facebook pictures showed Ford carrying what appeared to be a Glock 17 pistol and an AK-47 rifle.

Investigators also decline to comment on Ford's possible motives for the shooting. But as noted by T. Walton of the Harvey County Sherriff, something might have triggered Ford to carry out the heinous crime. He also noted that law enforcers are not considering terrorism as a factor in this case.

The shooting happened just days after a similar incident shook Kalamazoo, Michigan when an Uber driver shot and killed at least five people left two other severely wounded in different areas in the city.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo