Incident Overview
A shooting occurred at the Peachtree Center food court in Atlanta around 2:15 PM, resulting in four individuals being shot, including the suspected shooter. The victims were taken to Grady Hospital and Emory Midtown, and all are expected to survive.
Details of the Shooting
The incident began with a fight between two individuals, leading to one of them pulling out a gun and shooting three others. The shooter, a 34-year-old man with a handgun, was identified as a convicted felon with 11 previous arrests, including armed robbery. The victims include a 47-year-old male from Grayson, a 69-year-old female from East Point, and a 70-year-old female from Atlanta.
Police Response
An off-duty Atlanta police officer working an extra job at the location responded swiftly, engaging the shooter and preventing further harm. The officer’s actions were praised for their bravery and decisiveness. The officer’s intervention ended the immediate threat, and the suspect was taken into custody.
Investigation and Aftermath
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) will lead the investigation into the shooting. The suspect’s gun was recovered at the scene. Authorities are still determining whether the shooting was random or if the shooter knew the first victim. The officer involved in the shooting acted heroically, and the police department’s quick response and compassion were noted as officers administered life-saving measures to the injured.
Statements from Officials
Atlanta Mayor and Police Chief commended the swift response of the Atlanta Police Department and other assisting agencies, including the Georgia State Patrol, Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, Georgia State University Police, MARTA Police, FBI, and ATF. The Mayor highlighted the importance of the mall’s camera system in providing clarity on the incident. Both officials emphasized the need for continued efforts to keep guns out of the hands of those who should not possess them, particularly convicted felons.
