Crime
Security guard killed in shooting at Doraville Honduran Consulate identified as Jesus Loera
DORAVILLE, Ga. — A tragic shooting at the Honduran Consulate in Doraville on Monday afternoon resulted in the death of a security guard and left a second person injured, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred outside the main entrance of the consulate, located at 6755 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, at approximately 2:30 p.m., according to Emily Heenan, a representative for the city of Doraville.
The consulate is situated on the ground floor of a two-story office building.
Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina identified the deceased guard as 45-year-old Jesús Loera, a Mexican national employed by a private security company contracted by the consulate.
According to preliminary reports, the suspect attempted to enter the consulate armed with a gun, which is prohibited on the premises.
The individual, who did not have an appointment, was confronted by Loera.
The guard managed to close the door, preventing the suspect from entering the building, but was subsequently shot five times.
Loera was unarmed at the time of the incident.
Authorities detained the suspect and confirmed that the individual is under questioning. While the nationality of the suspect has not been officially determined, initial indications suggest the person may be Honduran.
Surveillance footage from the consulate has been handed over to investigators for review.
Foreign Minister Reina expressed condolences to Loera’s family during a press conference in Honduras and praised his efforts to safeguard the consulate.
He confirmed that he is in communication with U.S. local and state officials, the State Department, and Honduran President Xiomara Castro.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State issued a statement condemning the attack, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to the safety of diplomatic facilities and personnel under the Vienna Conventions.
“Attacks and threats against diplomatic facilities are unacceptable,” the spokesperson stated.
Doraville police cordoned off much of the business complex’s parking lot as they conducted their investigation. By 5:30 p.m., officers began clearing the scene.
Details about the condition of the second victim have not been released. Witnesses in nearby businesses declined to comment on the incident.
The Honduran Consulate in Doraville is one of 14 consulates operated by Honduras in the United States, in addition to its embassy in Washington, D.C., according to the consulate’s website.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.