Authorities have identified the suspected gunman responsible for the shooting at a popular downtown Atlanta food court on Tuesday as Jeremy Malone, a 34-year-old resident of Morrow, Georgia. According to a news release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Malone is accused of injuring three individuals during the incident at the Peachtree Center.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum revealed that Malone is a convicted felon with a history of 11 previous arrest cycles, including serving time for armed robbery. He emphasized that Malone should have never been in possession of a firearm, referring to him as an individual who posed a threat to the community.

The shooting occurred shortly before 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday when Malone entered the food court armed with a handgun. He engaged in a "brief altercation" with an individual, physically attacking them before shooting. Subsequently, Malone proceeded to shoot two other people present at the food court. The motive behind the initial attack remains unclear.

All three victims, a 47-year-old man, a 69-year-old woman, and a 70-year-old woman, are currently receiving treatment at area hospitals. Fortunately, authorities have stated that all three are expected to survive their injuries.

During the incident, an Atlanta police officer intervened and shot Malone before taking him into custody. After being transferred to a local hospital, Malone has now been discharged and is being held at Fulton County Jail. He faces charges including aggravated assault, reckless conduct, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies.

Peachtree Center, situated at the heart of downtown Atlanta, was briefly placed on lockdown after the shooting. However, it was reopened by late Tuesday afternoon, as confirmed by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. He had earlier advised residents to avoid the area as the situation unfolded.

In a separate incident that occurred just over two hours after the food court shooting, another individual in Atlanta held the driver of a commuter bus at gunpoint, sparking a rush-hour police chase with passengers onboard. Tragically, one person was found shot on the bus and has since succumbed to their injuries. Law enforcement authorities have clarified that they do not believe the two incidents are connected.

Jeremy Malone has waived his initial court appearance, according to Natalie Ammons, the spokesperson for Fulton County Sheriff. Whether he has legal representation at this time remains unclear.

As investigations continue, the community is left to grapple with the aftermath of these violent incidents, highlighting the urgent need for stricter gun control measures to prevent further tragedies.