Northwest Atlanta store becomes scene of multiple shootings
Four men were shot Wednesday afternoon at Lowery Food Mart, 644 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. NW, in the Bankhead neighborhood, Atlanta police said. Officers with the Atlanta Police Department (APD) responded around 4 p.m. after reports of multiple people shot.
APD investigators say the incident began when a man entered the business armed with a handgun and an exchange of gunfire occurred inside and outside the store. The department described the confrontation as an "isolated, escalating dispute between known parties." Police are working to identify the man who entered with the firearm.
“Somebody decided to take a fight that could’ve probably been handled by words and just erupted into gunfire. So, we just ask people to let their calmer heads prevail and just handle this verbally instead of bringing out a gun fight.”
The preliminary investigation lists the victims as four adult men, ages 30, 47, 58 and 60. Officers located two men at the scene; both were alert, conscious and breathing and were transported by ambulance to Grady Memorial Hospital. Two additional victims were taken by private vehicles to Emory University Hospital Midtown. One of those later required EMS transport to Grady and was reported in critical condition and later underwent surgery. Police later said he and the others were listed in stable condition.
Response, scene and neighborhood impact
Shortly after the shooting, crews and officers secured the area around the food mart and placed crime-scene tape across both sides of Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard. Witnesses on scene described seeing three victims in the parking lot and another who ran to a nearby home for help; one witness said a victim was shot in the stomach and appeared severely wounded.
APD’s Aggravated Assault Unit and Homicide Unit responded to the location to continue the investigation. Police emphasized that, based on their preliminary findings, this was not a random attack and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
What officials are asking the public
- Authorities are seeking information to identify the man who entered the store with a gun and to determine how many people fired weapons.
- Police urge anyone with video, photos, or eyewitness information to come forward to assist the investigation.
- Residents are reminded to avoid speculation and allow investigators to develop the facts.
The shooting adds to concerns about public-safety incidents in parts of northwest Atlanta. Investigators have not released details on possible charges or whether arrests have been made. As the probe continues, APD has asked witnesses and community members to cooperate and share any relevant evidence or observations to help bring clarity to the sequence of events.
| Detail | Known information |
|---|---|
| Location | Lowery Food Mart, 644 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. NW (Bankhead) |
| Time | Approximately 4:00 p.m. |
| Victims | Four adult men (ages 30, 47, 58, 60); transported to Grady and Emory hospitals |
| Investigation units | APD Aggravated Assault Unit and Homicide Unit |
As the neighborhood processes another violent incident, local leaders and residents will be watching for the investigation’s results and any steps officials take to reduce the risk of similar escalations. With multiple victims hospitalized and a suspect still being identified, the case remains active and developing.
