Atlanta Shooting at Short-Term Rental Injures Woman | WSB-TV

Atlanta Shooting at Airbnb Leaves woman Hospitalized on Thanksgiving Morning

A 26-year-old woman is recovering in the hospital after a shooting at a short-term rental property in Atlanta on Thanksgiving morning. Police responded to a call on Lethea Street and found the victim conscious and breathing, having sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach. Authorities believe the incident was isolated and are currently investigating.

Details of the Thanksgiving Morning Shooting

The shooting occurred around 7:35 a.m., waking neighbors with the sound of gunfire and speeding vehicles. According to reports, the victim was walking to the bathroom when she was shot. “They got into a disagreement last night. They were asked to leave but didn’t… and then this morning, as one of them was walking to the bathroom, she was shot in the stomach,” a neighbor told Channel 2 Action News, requesting anonymity.

Another resident, a mother of a young child, expressed shock and relief that no one else was injured. “Did y’all even brush your teeth?” she questioned,reflecting the unsettling nature of the incident. “Y’all shooting at 7:30? Did y’all brush your teeth? Like…I don’t understand.” She added that she was thankful her daughter was safe.

Did you know? – Atlanta saw a 5% increase in aggravated assaults in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to police data. short-term rentals are increasingly scrutinized for potential links to crime.

airbnb’s response and Inquiry

The property where the shooting took place is listed on Airbnb. The company has suspended the individual who made the booking and is cooperating with the Atlanta Police Department in their investigation.In a statement, Airbnb saeid, “Our thoughts are with the injured victim of this senseless gun violence. Unauthorized and disruptive parties are banned on Airbnb, and such incidents are exceptionally rare. We’ve suspended the individual who booked the stay and we stand ready to support the Atlanta Police Department with their investigation.”

Airbnb also confirmed it is indeed in contact with the property owner and has suspended the listing while the investigation continues. Attempts to reach the property owners for comment were unsuccessful.

Pro tip: – When renting short-term properties, review the host’s cancellation policy and house rules carefully. Consider properties with verified IDs and positive reviews.

ongoing Investigation and Community Concerns

Police have not yet released facts regarding a suspect or suspects. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting. The incident has raised concerns among residents about safety and security in the neighborhood, particularly regarding short-term rentals.

Why did it happen? The shooting stemmed from a disagreement between guests at the Airbnb rental that occurred the night before. The guests were asked to leave but remained on the property. Who was involved? A 26-year-old woman was shot and hospitalized. The identity of the shooter(s) remains unknown as of this report. What occurred? A woman was shot in the stomach while walking to the bathroom at a short-term rental. How did it end? The victim was transported to a local hospital, and police are actively investigating the incident, with Airbnb suspending the booking and listing.

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This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Reader question: – How can communities balance the economic benefits of short-term rentals with the need to ensure neighborhood safety and quality of life? Share your thoughts.