Atlanta, Georgia, January 16, 2026
A tranquil warming shelter in Atlanta was the scene of violence as gunfire erupted, leaving two men injured. The suspect, Antonio Wooten, was apprehended and faces several charges. The incident raises concerns about safety in community shelters, highlighting the vulnerabilities of those seeking refuge from the cold.
Atlanta, Georgia
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, a tranquil reprieve from the cold at an Atlanta warming shelter was abruptly shattered by gunfire, leaving two men injured and the community to reflect on the nature of safety in spaces designed for solace. The incident, which unfolded shortly before 10 a.m. at the Central Park Recreation Center, operating as a city warming shelter in the Old Fourth Ward, led to the swift apprehension of 37-year-old Antonio Wooten, who now faces charges related to the shooting.
The events began with a verbal dispute inside the shelter at 400 Merritts Avenue NE. According to initial reports, Antonio Wooten became visibly agitated, threatening both patrons and an employee before drawing a firearm and opening fire. One of the victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds, estimated at four to five, while the second individual suffered two gunshot injuries to the lower extremities. Both men, alert and conscious following the shooting, were promptly transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment and are expected to recover fully. It was later clarified that one of the injured men had been involved in the initial argument with Wooten, while the other was an innocent bystander.
The sudden eruption of violence prompted immediate intervention from an Atlanta Police officer who was working an off-duty assignment at the warming center. The officer discharged his weapon, aiming to neutralize the threat. While the shot did not strike Wooten, he fell to the ground, sustaining a broken arm. The officer remained uninjured. Following his fall, Wooten was taken into custody and received medical attention for his non-gunshot related injury before being transferred to the Fulton County Jail. He faces serious charges, including five counts of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The incident cast a somber light on the inherent vulnerabilities faced by those seeking refuge in community shelters, particularly during periods of inclement weather when such facilities become vital havens. Warming centers are critical resources, offering warmth, safety, and a temporary escape from harsh outdoor conditions for the city’s unhoused population. The Central Park Recreation Center, like many such facilities, had implemented security measures, including signage prohibiting weapons and the presence of a metal detector. Yet, the fact that a firearm entered the premises has raised questions, which are now a central part of the ongoing investigation.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has taken the lead in examining the circumstances surrounding the officer’s use of force, a standard protocol for incidents involving law enforcement discharge of a weapon. Concurrently, the Atlanta Police Department continues its own investigation into the broader shooting incident. Upon completion, the findings from the GBI’s inquiry will be submitted to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for review. In the immediate aftermath, the warming shelter at the Central Park Recreation Center ceased operations for the evening of January 15, with its occupants being relocated to the Gateway Center to ensure their continued safety and comfort. A nearby educational institution, The Kindezi School at Old Fourth Ward, was also briefly placed on an exterior lockdown as a precautionary measure during the police response.
Such moments, when the quiet trust placed in communal spaces is disrupted, invite a deeper consideration of the human endeavor to create places of security. The very existence of warming shelters speaks to a compassionate impulse within society to shield its most vulnerable from the elements, yet the intrusion of violence reminds us of the persistent challenges that permeate even these essential havens. It is a quiet testament to the enduring human spirit that, even amidst such disquiet, the commitment to providing refuge, and the meticulous work of law enforcement to understand and address such breaches, continues. The healing of those injured, and the ongoing quest for understanding, will chart the path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Atlanta warming shelter on January 15, 2026?
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, a shooting occurred inside the Central Park Recreation Center, which was operating as an Atlanta warming shelter, leaving two men injured.
Who was the shooter in the Atlanta warming shelter incident?
The shooter was identified as 37-year-old Antonio Wooten.
How many people were injured in the shooting?
Two men were injured in the shooting. One victim sustained four to five gunshot wounds, while the second sustained two gunshot injuries to the lower extremities.
What is the condition of the injured victims?
Both injured men were alert, conscious, and breathing when transported to Grady Memorial Hospital and are expected to recover fully.
Was the shooter apprehended?
Yes, Antonio Wooten was taken into custody after an Atlanta Police officer intervened.
What charges does the shooter face?
Antonio Wooten faces five counts of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
How did the weapon get into the warming shelter?
It is currently unclear how Antonio Wooten managed to bring a weapon into the warming center, despite signs prohibiting guns and the presence of a metal detector and security officers. This is part of an ongoing investigation.
Is the warming shelter still open?
The warming center at the Central Park Recreation Center ceased operations for the evening of January 15, 2026, and its occupants were relocated to the Gateway Center.
Key Features of the Atlanta Warming Shelter Shooting Incident
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Incident | January 15, 2026 | State-level |
| Location | Central Park Recreation Center (Atlanta warming shelter), 400 Merritts Avenue NE, Old Fourth Ward, Atlanta | State-level |
| Suspect Identified | Antonio Wooten, 37 years old | State-level |
| Number of Victims Shot | Two men | State-level |
| Victim Condition | Expected to recover fully | State-level |
| Suspect Status | In custody at Fulton County Jail | State-level |
| Charges Against Suspect | Five counts of aggravated assault, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon | State-level |
| Officer Involvement | Off-duty Atlanta Police officer discharged firearm; officer uninjured | State-level |
| Investigating Agencies | Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) for officer-involved shooting; Atlanta Police Department (APD) for shooting incident | State-level |
| Impact on Shelter Operations | Warming center closed for the evening, occupants relocated | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
