An Indian national was among four people killed in a shooting incident linked to an alleged family dispute in the US state of Georgia, the Indian mission in Atlanta confirmed on Friday. The incident occurred early morning in the city of Lawrenceville, leaving a community in shock and prompting swift police action.

The Consulate General of India in Atlanta expressed deep grief over the deaths and said the alleged shooter has been arrested. “We are deeply grieved by a tragic shooting incident linked to an alleged family dispute, in which an Indian national was among the victims. The alleged shooter has been arrested, and all possible assistance is being extended to the bereaved family,” the mission said in a statement on X.

Shooting inside Lawrenceville home

According to local media and police, the shooting took place at around 2.30 am (local time) at a residence on Brook Ivy Court in Lawrenceville. Officers responding to an emergency call found four adults dead inside the house, all of whom had sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

The suspect has been identified as Vijay Kumar (51), a resident of Atlanta. He was taken into custody shortly after the incident.

Victims identified, children escape unharmed

Police identified the victims as Meemu Dogra (43), Gourav Kumar (33), Nidhi Chander (37), and Harish Chander (38). Authorities said three children were present in the house when the shooting began.

In a chilling detail, investigators revealed that the children hid inside a closet to protect themselves. One of them managed to call 911, providing crucial information that helped police reach the scene within minutes. The children were unharmed and have since been taken into the care of a family member.

Serious charges filed

The suspect has been charged with four counts each of aggravated assault, felony murder, and malice murder, along with charges of cruelty to children in the first and third degrees.

Police said the investigation is ongoing, while Indian officials remain in touch with local authorities to assist the affected family.