ATLANTA, GA – At approximately 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Atlanta’s police responded to multiple reports of gunshots at the bustling Peachtree Center food court. Three people were shot by a 34-year-old convicted felon at the heart of the city’s thriving downtown area.
The shooter began his onslaught by striking a man during a brief confrontation before turning his firearm on two other uninvolved victims, a pair of women aged 70 and 69. Law enforcement rushed all victims to local hospitals, where they are currently expected to survive their injuries.
The armed suspect was not unfamiliar with law enforcement, having served jail time for armed robbery and accumulating 11 prior arrests. Armed with a handgun, the man breached the food court in broad daylight, making it all the more shocking that, as Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum stated, he “should never have been possessing a gun”.
In an instance of swift response, an off-duty Atlanta Police officer who was working an additional job in the area resolved the potentially deadly situation. The officer, risking his life, confronted the shooter and effectively neutralized the threat. Another officer ensured safety by disarming the shooter with his weapon.
The food court is part of the significantly sized Peachtree Center, cataloged as a centerpiece of Atlanta’s downtown. This crime has put it under the spotlight for its diverse offerings, including over a million square feet of office space across four buildings, 50 restaurants, and retail shops alongside three hotels.
Local authorities have instructed the public to avoid the area, a notable disruption considering the immense business activity associated with the location. Peachtree Center was on lockdown immediately following the incident, but operations were resumed later on Tuesday afternoon.
Investigations will be led by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation as the incident involved the response of a police officer.