Douglas E. Smith, 59, allegedly shot himself in the upper left torso with a handgun at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on December 21, 2025.
Incident Timeline
Smith entered the airport around 3:30 p.m. local time, carrying a handgun, and ascended escalators to the upper baggage claim level. There, he intentionally fired the shot, fell to the ground, and a nearby patron kicked the weapon away before alerting authorities. Officers found him alert, conscious, and breathing, with a wound to his left arm; he was hospitalized in stable condition that evening.
Charges and Aftermath
Atlanta Police charged Smith with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession during a felony, and reckless conduct. He will be booked into Clayton County Jail upon hospital discharge. Travel operations resumed normally, with no broader disruptions reported.
Official Statements
Major D. Wilson emphasized the airport’s safety during a press conference, calling it one of the world’s safest major airports. The investigation continues as of December 23, 2025.
