A security guard in Jones County, Mississippi, shot and killed an armed employee who opened fire outside the Southern Hens processing plant following a workplace dispute. The gunman, armed with an AR-15-style rifle, fired multiple shots before attempting to enter the facility, but was stopped by the guard.

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MOSSELLE, MS (2-minute read) — A workplace dispute in Jones County, Mississippi, escalated into a violent attack on Wednesday when an armed employee fired multiple shots outside the Southern Hens chicken-processing plant before being stopped by a security guard.

Authorities confirmed that 21-year-old Lorenzo Hawthorne, of Hattiesburg, was killed after exchanging gunfire with the unidentified security guard in the plant’s parking lot. The Jones County Coroner’s Office stated that an autopsy will be performed.

According to a statement from Southern Hens, the incident began around 2 p.m. when Hawthorne had an altercation with a coworker. After leaving the secured area of the facility, he retrieved an AR-15-style rifle from his vehicle and began shooting. Investigators say he fired at least five rounds into the parking lot, aiming at vehicles with workers inside. Fortunately, no one was injured in the initial gunfire.

When the security guard confronted him, Hawthorne reportedly turned the firearm in his direction, prompting the guard to return fire. Witnesses at the scene stated that multiple shots were exchanged before the guard landed fatal hits, stopping the shooter before he could enter the plant.

Southern Hens employees praised the security guard’s swift action, with many calling him a hero. Kelvin Snyder, a worker at the plant, described the harrowing moments leading up to the shooting, stating, “He was planning to come inside the plant. I saw him walking, fixing to come in, and they stopped him. They stopped him with two shots.”

The Jones County Sheriff’s Department is continuing its investigation, and Southern Hens has arranged counseling for any employees who may have witnessed the event.

Safety Tip: Always be aware of your workplace’s security protocols and emergency response procedures. In high-risk situations, taking cover and calling for help should be your first response if you’re unarmed.