A gunman opened fire at Northside Hospital Medical Midtown in Atlanta on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in one death and at least four injuries. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Deion Patterson, remains at large. Police are actively searching for him and consider him to be “armed and dangerous.”
Patterson reportedly became enraged while at the hospital with his mother for an appointment. Following the shooting, one victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other four were transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment. At a press conference, Grady Health System Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Jansen reported that three patients were in critical condition and two were undergoing surgery.
Authorities have released security camera images of the suspect, who was seen wearing a gray hoodie, black pants, and a surgical mask. He was also carrying a brown satchel across his chest.
Patterson’s mother, who was not injured in the incident, is said to be cooperating with the police investigation.
As a precautionary measure, several Atlanta schools in the vicinity were locked down while the shooter remains at large. Atlanta Police have urged those in the area to secure their buildings and shelter in place, while advising others to stay away.