Decatur Library shooting leaves man critically injured; police name suspect and obtain felony arrest warrants

Shooting reported inside downtown Decatur’s main library building

A man was hospitalized in critical condition after a shooting reported Monday afternoon, Feb. 2, 2026, inside the Decatur Library in DeKalb County, authorities said. Police responded at about 5:10 p.m. to reports of a person shot and found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound inside the facility. Emergency responders transported the victim to an area hospital, where he was listed in critical condition as of Monday evening.

Investigators secured the area around the library and began interviewing potential witnesses while collecting evidence. Officials have not released the victim’s identity or provided a public account of what led up to the gunfire, and no suspect arrest was announced by late Monday.

Suspect identified; warrants issued on felony allegations

Police identified a suspect as 44-year-old Medicus Brown of Decatur. Arrest warrants were issued alleging aggravated assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The warrants were issued through DeKalb County’s magistrate court process, which handles arrest-warrant proceedings and related first-appearance matters.

Authorities asked anyone who knows the suspect’s whereabouts to contact 911 or Decatur Police at 404-373-6551. Police have not said whether they believe the suspect remained in the area or whether the shooting stemmed from a dispute involving library patrons, employees, or other individuals.

Immediate impacts on library operations and scheduled events

The incident prompted an abrupt shutdown of activities at the downtown Decatur location. A statement circulated Monday evening indicated the facility closed for the day and canceled scheduled events, including an exhibition opening tied to the Georgia Center for the Book, which operates within the library building. It was not immediately clear how long the closure would last, or whether additional security measures would be put in place when the library reopens.

What remains unknown as the investigation continues

Key details remained unresolved Monday night, including the circumstances preceding the shooting, whether the victim and suspect knew each other, and whether any additional people were involved. Police also did not provide information about the type of firearm used, how many shots were fired, or whether the shooting occurred in a public area of the library or elsewhere inside the building.

• Victim: Adult male, hospitalized in critical condition as of Feb. 2.
• Suspect: Medicus Brown, 44, of Decatur, named in arrest warrants.
• Allegations in warrants: Aggravated assault with intent to murder; firearm possession during commission of a felony.
• Next steps: Continued evidence collection, witness interviews, and efforts to locate the suspect.

Authorities said the investigation was active and urged anyone with information to contact Decatur Police.

The case remains under investigation, and officials have indicated additional updates will follow as more facts are confirmed.