10-Year-Old Boy Hospitalized After Shooting in Atlanta

Police say the incident appears to be a targeted attack, but the child's condition is stable after surgery.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A 10-year-old boy was injured in a shooting incident in southeast Atlanta on Sunday morning. Police were called around 6:45 a.m. to the 100 block of Ruzelle Drive, where they found the child suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. The boy underwent surgery and is now reported to be in stable condition.

Why it matters

Gun violence involving children is an ongoing concern in many urban communities. While the details are still emerging, this incident raises questions about public safety and the need for community-based solutions to address the root causes of such targeted attacks.

The details

According to authorities, the shooting appears to have been a targeted attack, though it's unclear if the child was the intended target. The boy was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but has since undergone surgery and is now reported to be in stable condition.

  • The shooting occurred around 6:45 a.m. on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Atlanta Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the shooting incident.

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What’s next

Investigators are working to determine the motive and circumstances behind the shooting, as well as whether the child was the intended target.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety, particularly in vulnerable communities. It highlights the need for comprehensive, community-based solutions to address the root causes and protect innocent lives.