One Dead in CNN Center Shooting

Two people were shot in Atlanta 's CNN Center at approximately 1:30 EST. According to reports from the news center the shooting was the result of an altercation between a man and a woman.

Both victims were taken to Grady Memorial hospital. One was later pronounced dead.

According to witnesses the man was seen arguing with the woman, dragging her by her hair and screaming for patrons to get out o f his way.

Brad Lendon, a writer for the network, heard a loud bang. He then saw a woman on the ground with a man standing over her. Lendon says the man fired two shots into the prone woman.

After the shooting the woman, the gunman. "looked around, his head turning in my direction. I don't know if he saw me, but at that moment the gravity of what I'd witnessed hit me. I turned away and tried to find the safest way I could out of the CNN.com newsroom."

Soon after the man was shot at least once by a Turner security guard. The company provides all security for CNN Center. There is also a police percent in the complex. Video footage shows police and security pointing weapons at the suspect as he received medical treatment.

The shooting happened near the Omni Hotel which is part of the famous complex.

CNN offices are closed to the public and are subject to heavy security protocols. The CNN newsroom was temporarily evacuated because of the event. Staff members were allowed to return after the danger had passed. The atrium continues to closed off as police process the crime scene.

Trina Johson, 44, was in the food court with her daughter when she heard the shots. "All of a sudden we heard a big boom. We thought it was an explosion," Johnson said. "We didn't see the gun. Everybody just started running."

The complex has been especially busy because of the NCAA Final Four Tournament that ended last night.

CNN was founded in 1980 by billionaire Ted Turner. It is the first 24 hour cable news network and continues be a leader in the field. The CNN Center is the world headquarters of the network. It houses a large shopping area and food court. The Phillips Center, home of the Atlanta Hawks, is directly connected to the complex.

The Center and the surrounding area are a major tourist attractions. Some wonder how this incident will effect Atlanta tourism.

Sources
www.cnn.com
www.yahoo.com