Man Charged with Felonies After Self-Inflicted Shooting at Atlanta Airport

ATLANTA, GA — A 59-year-old man who shot himself inside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Sunday afternoon is now facing multiple felony charges, according to Atlanta police.

Police identified the man as Douglas E. Smith, who authorities say intentionally shot himself near the South Terminal escalators shortly after 3:34 p.m. Officers responded to reports of a shooting in the upper-level baggage claim area, where they found Smith suffering from a gunshot wound to his left arm.

Smith was alert, conscious, and breathing when officers arrived and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Police confirmed the injury was self-inflicted. Atlanta Police Major D. Wilson said the incident occurred moments after Smith reached the top of an escalator platform. “He pulled out a handgun and intentionally shot himself in the upper left torso,” Wilson said. Smith then fell to the ground, and a bystander was able to safely remove the firearm before officers arrived.

Police said officers quickly secured the weapon and ensured the scene was safe. No other injuries were reported.

Once released from the hospital, Smith will be booked into the Clayton County Jail. He faces several felony charges, including:

• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• Reckless conduct
• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime

Airport officials emphasized that the incident did not disrupt airport operations and that passengers were never in danger.

“I just want to assure everybody that normal operations were not impacted,” said Augustus Hudson, deputy general manager of operations at Hartsfield-Jackson. “We continue to work with the Atlanta Police Department and our federal partners to ensure that all passengers have a safe journey.”

Major Wilson also stressed airport preparedness, particularly during the busy holiday travel season. “Safety is obviously our number one priority, and the Atlanta airport is one of the safest major airports in the world,” he said.

Authorities have not disclosed why Smith brought a firearm into the airport or what led to the self-inflicted shooting. Police have not confirmed whether surveillance footage captured the incident or if additional witnesses are being interviewed.

Smith’s medical condition has not been updated, and a motive for the shooting remains under investigation.