FARGO — Six deaths is the balance of two shootings in Georgia with four deaths, and two police officers killed in North Dakota.
At least four people were killed Saturday in a shooting in a small town south of Atlanta, Georgia, a local official said.
Henry County authorities said police were investigating an “active shooting incident” that happened around noon Saturday in Hampton, a city of 8,500, 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Atlanta.
“I can confirm that four people have died,” local government spokeswoman Melissa Robinson said by phone. “At the moment, the suspect is still on the run.”
Hampton, Georgia police said they would provide more details at a news conference in the coming hours.
Various police departments and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) were assisting in the investigation. GBI spokeswoman Nelly Miles said she had no information, other than that she had asked the agency for help.
Two police officers were killed and another seriously injured on Friday in a shooting in Fargo, North Dakotain which the attacker was also killed, authorities reported.
The event occurred before 3 pm on a busy street. Several witnesses reported that a man opened fire on some policemen and was killed by other policemen.
In a statement on Friday, police said a civilian was also injured.
The police offered no information on the possible motive or the circumstances that led to the event. For now, the identities of the police officers or the suspect have not been released until their families are notified.
The Fargo Police Department said the investigation is continuing.
“We are sincerely appealing for your patience and the patience and understanding of our community as the Fargo Police Department works through this incident,” Gregg Schildberger, the city’s communications director, told reporters at the scene hours after.
There will be a press conference Saturday at 3:30 pm at Fargo City Hall, Schildberger said.
“This is very difficult for all of us. We are releasing as much information as we possibly can at this time… We appreciate all the messages the community has extended to us in support of our police officers,” Schildberger said.
Paul Heinert, a spokesman for Sanford Medical Center, said in an email that the hospital “did see patients related to today’s shooting incident in Fargo.” He noted that updates on the medical status of the injured will be given by the city Police Department.
Police ruled out any known threat to the public. However, after the shooting, officers went to a residential area about two miles (3.2 kilometers) away and evicted residents while collecting evidence they said was related to the incident.
Witnesses said they saw and heard gunshots in the area. Shannon Nichole told KFGO Radio that she was driving her vehicle through the area at the time.
“I saw the traffic stop, and as I drove off again, shots rang out and I saw police officers go down,” Nichole said. “My airbag activated and the bullet entered my driver’s door.”
FOUNTAIN: With information from AP
