Multiple victims are undergoing surgery at Downtown’s Grady Memorial Hospital — Atlanta’s only Level 1 trauma centre — after the shooting at Northside Hospital Medical in Midtown Atlanta on Wednesday (early Thursday AEST).
Three of the patients were in critical condition, according to Dr Robert Jansen, chief medical officer at Grady Health System.
Police issued a “be on the lookout” for the suspect, telling CNN he is known to them and remains at large.
The Atlanta Police Department released images showing the suspected shooter wearing a hoodie, saying he was believed to be the perpetrator based on the preliminary investigation.
“Anyone with any information on this person’s whereabouts is asked to call 911,” police said.
“The suspect is believed to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached.”
A high-level source within the Atlanta Police Department told CNN the suspect and his mother arrived Wednesday for a medical appointment for himself.
The man at some point became agitated and started shooting using a handgun. The suspect has a military background, the source said.
Atlanta Police spokesperson Chata Spikes similarly said the man was attending a medical appointment for himself when the shooting occurred. Police declined to further describe the nature of the appointment, citing medical regulations.
The man’s mother, who was uninjured, is currently cooperating with police, Atlanta Police told CNN.
Northside Hospital confirmed the shooting at its Midtown location, saying on Twitter it was cooperating with law enforcement.
“We urge people in the area to shelter in place and follow instructions from law enforcement on the scene,” the hospital system said.
“This tragedy is affecting all of us, and we ask for patience and prayers at this time.”
The Atlanta Police Department tweeted earlier Wednesday it was investigating an active shooter incident inside a building on West Peachtree Street, between 12th and 13th streets, saying multiple people had been injured.
Videos shared with CNN showed police running on the scene as sirens blared.
Multiple fire trucks, at least one armoured police vehicle and deputies from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office were seen outside the building, which sits in a bustling area of the city, with Google’s offices, hotels, restaurants and at least two day care centres located nearby.
Atlanta resident Annie Eaveson lives at the Atlantic House apartments a block away and told CNN her building was placed on lockdown as the incident unfolded.
Residents were told to stay in their apartments, she said. “I saw two people taken out on stretchers. Waves of armored officers went inside in shifts almost. You can see medical professionals huddled up in offices.”
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