Police fatally shoot gunman at Georgia VA clinic

One person wounded in the incident at the Pickens County VA Clinic in Jasper, Georgia

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Police in Jasper, Georgia, fatally shot a gunman who opened fire at a Veterans Affairs clinic on Tuesday, wounding one person. The incident occurred at the Pickens County VA Clinic, where multiple officers from the Jasper Police Department confronted and shot the suspected gunman, who was from Jasper. The wounded victim was airlifted to a hospital, but their condition was unknown.

Why it matters

Incidents of gun violence at healthcare facilities, including VA clinics, are rare but concerning, as they can disrupt critical services and traumatize both patients and staff. This shooting will likely be "eye-opening" for the small town of Jasper, according to the police chief.

The details

The shooting occurred around 1:30 p.m. EDT at the Pickens County VA Clinic in Jasper, a town about 60 miles north of Atlanta. Multiple Jasper police officers responded and confronted the suspected gunman outside the clinic, where he was fatally shot. Authorities did not immediately release the identity of the suspect or the wounded victim, or provide details on what led to the shooting.

  • The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

The players

Jasper Police Department

The local police force that responded to and confronted the suspected gunman at the VA clinic.

Pickens County VA Clinic

The Veterans Affairs clinic located in Jasper, Georgia where the shooting took place.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The threat is eliminated.”

— Doug Collins, VA Secretary

“Shock, a lot of shock factor.”

— Matt Dawkins, Jasper Police Chief

What’s next

The FBI will investigate the shooting at the Pickens County VA Clinic.

The takeaway

While incidents of gun violence at healthcare facilities are rare, this shooting at a VA clinic in the small town of Jasper, Georgia, will likely have a significant impact on the community and raise questions about security measures at such sensitive locations.