A violent and devastating shooting at Budiman’s Smokeshop & Art Gallery on Cherry Road in Rock Hill, South Carolina, has left two individuals dead, including a man identified as 35-year-old Emad Thabet, and a third victim severely injured. The shocking incident unfolded late Wednesday evening, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit Rock Hill community and leading to the arrest of 28-year-old suspect Zachary East Elias from Columbia. Authorities confirmed that Elias now faces multiple charges, including two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. This senseless act of violence has left a family shattered and a community in mourning as details continue to emerge about the events leading up to and following the attack.
The events began around 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday, November 29, when the Rock Hill Police Department received multiple emergency calls reporting gunfire at the well-known Budiman’s Smokeshop, a local establishment that doubles as an art gallery. Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene, but as they approached, reports came in describing the suspect: a white male fleeing in a silver Dodge truck. Police soon located the suspect’s vehicle traveling north on Cherry Road and began to pursue him. As Elias attempted to evade capture, he lost control of his truck near the Catawba River bridge, crashing it just moments after leaving the scene of the crime.
The encounter between Elias and law enforcement quickly escalated. According to official reports, Elias exited his vehicle and acted aggressively toward officers. One officer discharged their firearm, but the shot missed, prompting officers to use non-lethal means to subdue the suspect. A stun gun was deployed during the confrontation, and a brief physical struggle ensued before Elias was finally subdued and taken into custody. No officers were injured during the altercation, and Elias was transported to the Rock Hill Jail, where he remains in custody.
Inside the smoke shop, first responders were met with a grim and chaotic scene. Three victims were found suffering from gunshot wounds. Tragically, two were pronounced dead at the scene: a male identified as Emad Thabet and an unidentified female whose name has not yet been released pending notification of her family. The third victim, a woman, was critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital. She remains in critical condition, suffering from multiple injuries, including gunshot wounds, broken bones, and a shattered hand. This woman is the mother of six children, the youngest of whom is only two months old. Her husband, who was also one of the victims killed in the attack, had recently moved the family to Rock Hill from Florida in search of a better life.
Police have confirmed that the victims were not employees of Budiman’s Smokeshop but customers who happened to be inside the store at the time of the shooting. A fourth individual managed to escape the scene unharmed and is cooperating with law enforcement as a witness. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether there was any prior connection between the suspect and the victims, and the motive for the attack remains unclear. However, police have emphasized the brutality and senselessness of the crime, which has left the community grappling with feelings of grief and disbelief.
The aftermath of the shooting has devastated the family of the injured mother, who is now fighting for her life while mourning the loss of her husband. Neighbors and friends have described the couple as kind, hardworking, and devoted to their children. The family had recently relocated to Rock Hill from Florida in hopes of building a better future for their six children, who range in age from 2 months to 15 years old. Community members are rallying to support the family during this unimaginable time, with local organizations and individuals stepping forward to provide aid and comfort.
The Rock Hill Police Department has launched an intensive investigation to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the attack. Forensic teams worked through the night to process the crime scene, and detectives are interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from the smoke shop and surrounding area. Police have stated that they are exploring all possible angles, including any prior interactions between the suspect and victims, to determine a motive for the killings. So far, Elias has been charged with two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Additional charges may follow as the investigation progresses.
The highway near the crime scene was temporarily closed as law enforcement worked to secure the area and gather evidence. Traffic resumed around 3 a.m. Thursday, but the emotional toll of the incident lingers. Rock Hill residents have expressed a mix of grief and anger over the violence that has shattered the sense of safety in their community. Many have taken to social media to share condolences for the victims’ families and to demand answers about what led to this horrific act.
Budiman’s Smokeshop & Art Gallery, a small yet vibrant local business, has been a staple of the Rock Hill community for years. Known for its unique blend of art and commerce, the shop has drawn a diverse clientele of art enthusiasts and smoke shop patrons alike. The tragedy has cast a shadow over the establishment, with its future uncertain in the wake of the devastating events. The shop’s owners have not yet issued a public statement but are reportedly cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
The suspect, Zachary East Elias, has a criminal history that is now under scrutiny as investigators piece together his background and potential motivations. Records indicate that Elias has faced prior charges for assault and disorderly conduct, though it remains unclear whether these past offenses are related to Wednesday’s attack. Mental health experts are often consulted in cases of seemingly random or senseless violence to assess whether underlying psychological factors may have played a role. While authorities have not commented on Elias’s mental state, the possibility of such factors influencing his actions cannot be ruled out.
Community leaders and officials have vowed to support the victims’ families and ensure that justice is served. The tragic loss of Emad Thabet and the unidentified female victim, along with the severe injuries sustained by the surviving woman, have left an indelible mark on Rock Hill. Mayor John Gettys expressed his condolences in a heartfelt statement, calling the incident “an unspeakable tragedy that has shaken our city to its core.” He urged residents to come together in solidarity and support for the affected family, adding that the city would do everything in its power to assist them during this time of need.
The ripple effects of the shooting extend beyond the immediate community, raising broader concerns about the prevalence of gun violence and the safety of public spaces. Activists and advocacy groups have used the tragedy as a platform to call for stricter gun control measures and increased awareness of the societal factors that contribute to violent crimes. While debates over gun laws and public safety policies continue, the focus in Rock Hill remains on healing and justice.
The family of the injured mother, now grappling with the loss of their father and husband, faces a long and difficult road ahead. Community members have launched fundraising campaigns to help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and support for the children. Local churches, schools, and civic organizations have also stepped forward, offering everything from meals to childcare in an effort to ease the family’s burden.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. The Rock Hill Police Department has set up a dedicated tip line and assured the public that all leads will be thoroughly pursued. In the words of Police Chief Chris Watts, “This senseless act of violence has robbed a family of their loved ones and a community of its sense of security. We will not rest until we have answers and justice for the victims.”
In the days following the shooting, the people of Rock Hill have demonstrated resilience and compassion in the face of tragedy. Candlelight vigils, memorials, and community gatherings have been organized to honor the lives lost and to support those left behind. As the city mourns, it also searches for ways to move forward, united in its determination to prevent such violence from happening again. For now, the focus remains on justice, healing, and remembering the lives forever changed by this heartbreaking event.
