HAMPTON, GEORGIA: An extensive manhunt is underway to locate a gunman, who is accused of fatally shooting at least four people in a mass shooting in Hampton, Georgia on Saturday, July 15, 2023. Authorities confirmed that three male adults and one female adult died after a shooting rampage reportedly began at approximately 10:45 am in the Dogwood Lakes area of Hampton, a small city south of Atlanta.
Hampton Police Chief James Turner noted that the victims’ names will not be released until their family has been notified. “We’re not releasing the name of the victims at this time to ensure that the family has time to be notified and to for them to grieve in private before it becomes public,” he said in a press conference, adding, "We had at least four crime scenes that we were still actively investigating." Turner also stated that the motive behind the shooting is yet unknown but the four homicides occurred at different locations, according to CBS News.
Who is Andre Longmore?
The authorities have identified the suspected gunman as Andre Longmore, 40, who is also a resident of the city of Hampton. Police stated that Longmore is wanted on four warrants and that he is a dangerous and armed suspect. The 5-feet-11 inches tall suspect was last seen driving a black 2017 GMA Acadia with the license plate DHF756. He was reported to be wearing long gray pants and a black shirt with a red tone. Authorities said Longmore was in possession of a black handgun, and urged anyone who sees him to contact 911 immediately.
Henry County Sheriff’s Office is offering a $10,000 reward for anyone with information leading to an arrest. “This is a sad day in Hampton. It’s not normal for us and as a community, we will grieve together," Turner, said adding, “As a police department, we will do everything in our power to ensure that the person is brought to justice.”
The shooting is being extensively investigated by Georgia officials, including the Hampton Police Department and Henry County Sheriff's Office. “Wherever you are, we will hunt you down in whatever hole you may be hiding in and bring you into custody. Period,” Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett told reporters.
'They will bring the suspect to justice'
On Saturday afternoon, Hampton Mayor Ann Tarpley told reporters that the shooting was "a sad and somber occasion" and pledged to have the gunman "brought to justice." “We ask that you lift up the families and the victims in your prayers, and your thoughts and that you give them the privacy that they may need to overcome this horrific tragedy. We have full confidence in our law enforcement that they will perform their duties and bring the suspect to justice,” she added.
The Georgia shooting came just a few days after a brutal mass shooting at a Baltimore block party left two dead and 28 others severely injured. Fifteen of those injured were under the age of 18, Baltimore Police Acting Commissioner Richard Worley noted.
