"Monster is no longer on our streets": Police shoot suspected gunman to death

Hampton - After the violent deaths of four people in the US state of Georgia, police have killed the suspected shooter.

The 40-year-old is said to have shot four people at the weekend.
The 40-year-old is said to have shot four people at the weekend.  © Henry County, GA Sheriff's Office

"We can breathe a little easier, sleep a little better tonight. This monster is no longer on our streets," said Sheriff Reginald Scandrett at a press conference on Sunday (local time).

The police had tracked down the 40-year-old at midday and he had opened fire. There was an exchange of gunfire, Scandrett said. The suspected perpetrator was killed and two police officers were injured.

The man is said to have shot four people in the town of Hampton near the city of Atlanta on Saturday. The motive was still unclear.

The USA has long been confronted with a huge amount of gun violence. Shooting sprees and fatal shootings are part of everyday life there. Firearms are readily available in the country and are in circulation on a large scale.

Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett speaks in Hampton about the death of the suspected shooter.
ContentImage.Description   © Jeff Amy/AP/dpa

Dispute over weapons in the USA

Major attacks of this kind - for example at schools, supermarkets, nightclubs or large events - regularly lead to discussions about tightening gun laws.

So far, however, without success.