New details are emerging about a frightening active shooter incident at the Four Seasons Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia yesterday. Police as well as SWAT responded to the posh hotel. Atlanta police arrested a suspect at about 4:35 pm EST on Tuesday.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The shooter has been identified as 70-year-old Dr. Jay Berger, according to Newsweek. He is "a former eye care specialist, [and] is being charged with aggravated assault but is expected to face more charges."
Georgia Bureau of Investigation Has Issued A Statement
GBI Is Conducting An Independent Investigation As Requested by The Georgia Police Department
In a statement issued on October 30, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said, "The Atlanta Police Department asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation on October 29, 2024. One man was shot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. One officer was injured in this incident."
The statement details what happened yesterday. At 10:12 am, police responded to the hotel after they were called about a person "pointing a gun" at a hotel employee. Evidently, that took place when the residential manager was looking into a report of somebody flinging objects into a corridor on the 33rd floor.
Berger Barricaded Himself In His Apartment
He Fired A Gun Inside And Outside His Living Quarters
That manager was allegedly confronted by Berger. He reportedly aimed a gun at the manager, who then summoned police. When they arrived, Berger "barricaded himself in his apartment."
The statement reads, "The subject began firing a weapon inside his apartment and into the hallway. As rounds were fired through the walls at SWAT officers, one officer returned fire. One SWAT officer was injured during the incident (possibly by shrapnel). The subject then proceeded onto the balcony of his apartment and began throwing items off the balcony."
At that point, a SWAT team got on the scene after being requested. When Berger shot through the walls, "one officer returned fire." An officer was hurt, maybe from shrapnel.
Berger Began Throwing Objects Off The Balcony
He Was Then Taken Into Custody
Someone identified as "a SWAT sniper" fired at Berger, striking him. He was then taken into custody.
The Incident Took Place In A Residential Condo At The Four Seasons
The Area Is Separate From The Hotel Rooms
Per Newsweek, "A spokesperson for Four Seasons locations in the Americas told Newsweek in an email that the incident happened outside the hotel's portion of the high-rise, in a residential condominium that the hospitality company does not manage."
The Suspect Allegedly Fired Multiple Shots, According To Police
He Reportedly Had 'At Least' Three Weapons
WALB 10 News reported yesterday that a police officer was hurt, according to the Atlanta Police Department. He sustained non-life threatening injuries, according to Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum.
Per the outlet yesterday, "[Atlanta Police Chief] Darin Schierbaum said they believe at least three weapons — a handgun, shotgun and a rifle — fired at least 15 shots by the suspect during the incident in his home. He also said a shot was fired off the suspect's balcony. At least one weapon was thrown off the balcony, according to Schierbaum."
Steps Were Taken To Protect The Public During The Incident
There Was A Shelter-In-Place Order
A shelter-in place-order was issued, along with road closures near the 53-story luxury hotel. People nearby were asked not to be near rooms and windows facing the commotion as a precaution.
