Gunman on loose after killing one, injuring 3 in shooting at Atlanta hospital
A shooter is at large after he opened fire at an Atlanta hospital Wednesday afternoon, killing one person and injuring at least four others, police said.
The suspect, who police identified as Deion Patterson, 24, fired shots after becoming enraged while visiting Northside Hospital Medical Midtown with his mother, who had taken him there for an appointment, CNN reported.
One victim was pronounced dead on the scene and the others were taken to nearby Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment, officials said.
Three patients were in critical condition and two were being operated on, Grady Health System Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Jansen said at a televised press conference just before 2:30 p.m.
All of the victims were adults, Jansen said, adding his staff was prepared for a mass casualty event of up to 12 patients.
No arrests have been made, and swarms of officers were actively searching for Patterson, who reportedly has a military background and is considered “armed and dangerous” according to officials.
His mom was reportedly cooperating with cops amid the manhunt, and was not injured, CNN said.
Police released security camera images of Patterson, who wore a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants and a surgical mask as he brandished a firearm. The suspect also carried a brown satchel, which was draped across his chest.
Several Atlanta schools in the area were locked down “out of an abundance of caution” while the killer remained at large, school officials said.
“Anyone in the area is asked to secure their building and shelter in place. Anyone not in the area is asked to stay away,” Atlanta Police tweeted just after 12:45 p.m.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday afternoon that President Biden was monitoring the developing situation and was “frustrated” by the spate of mass shootings in the US.
With AP wires