ATLANTA — In a harrowing incident, a gunman opened fire and shot three individuals at the Peachtree Center food court in downtown Atlanta before being shot by a police officer on Tuesday afternoon, according to authorities.
BREAKING – There’s been a shooting in or near Peachtree Center Mall in downtown Atlanta. 4 people confirmed shot, police have cordoned off the area. pic.twitter.com/nGGmY0xDMB [1]
— Torraine Walker (@TorraineWalker) June 11, 2024 [2]
All four individuals, including the suspect, are expected to survive, as confirmed by Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum. The victims, a 47-year-old man from Grayson, a 69-year-old woman from East Point, and a 70-year-old woman from Atlanta, were reportedly engaged in a “brief altercation” with the suspect before being shot. The suspect, a 34-year-old man from Morrow, south of Atlanta, had a history of arrests and served time for armed robbery, which should have prevented him from possessing a firearm, according to Schierbaum.
The shooting occurred around 2:15 p.m. and was swiftly addressed by an off-duty Atlanta police officer working security at the food court. The responding officer’s decisive actions were commended by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a news conference, where he asserted that the situation could have been much worse if not for the officer’s intervention.
“Had he not been there, things could have gotten worse.” – Mayor Andre Dickens
While the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will be probing the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the mall’s video cameras have recorded the entire incident, allowing for a comprehensive review of the events.
In the aftermath of the shooting, eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as patrons sought refuge and attempted to comprehend the sudden violence that unfolded in the bustling food court.
Despite the alarming nature of the incident, Dickens acknowledged the valor and prompt response of the law enforcement officer, underscoring their pivotal role in diffusing the threat to public safety.
The Peachtree Center complex, known for its office towers and an underground mall situated within downtown Atlanta, is a hallmark of the city’s convention business, housing multiple hotels. In the wake of the shooting, the sense of unease and shock was palpable among the onlookers and nearby residents, underscoring the lingering impact of such traumatic events on the community.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, the city of Atlanta grapples with the aftermath of a disturbing and sudden act of violence that has reverberated through the heart of its downtown district.