Bill Gwatney Dead
August 13, 2008: Arkansas Democratic Party chairman Bill Gwatney died after being shot three times at the Arkansas Democratic Party headquarters in Little Rock. The assailant fled the scene, but was later captured and fatally shot by police.1 The suspect was later identified as 50-year-old Timothy Dale Johnson of Searcy, AR.2
Fast Facts
- Location of shooting: Arkansas Democratic Party headquarters in Little Rock
- Time of shooting: Approximately 11:49 a.m. CST3
- Time of death: 3:59 p.m. CST4
- Age at death: 495
- Gwatney died at Baptist Medical Center5
- Gwatney was reportedly shot three times3
- Suspect: Timothy Dale Johnson
- Earlier that morning, Johnson had reportedly quit his job at Target in a rage2
The Shooting
According to witness reports, the suspect entered the Democratic Party headquarters inquiring about volunteering. He then pushed past an employee to enter Gwatney's office, where he fired three shots at the chairman.1
The suspect fled in a Dodge pickup truck, but was shot by police after a 25-mile chase. He died after being airlifted to a hospital. Gwatney, 49, died a few hours after the shooting.6
Quotes
"We are deeply saddened by the news that Bill Gwatney has passed away. His leadership and commitment to Arkansas and this country have always inspired us and those who had the opportunity to know him."6—Hillary and Bill Clinton
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