safety
Armed 89-year-old shot in SWAT situation, police say
By Tom Jones at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· June 26, 2026
· 2 min read
An 89-year-old man is in the hospital after police say he refused to put down his weapon and they shot him.It happened on King Mill Road in Henry County after officers say they went to his home to execute a search and arrest warrant. That’s when shots were fired.“Oh it was a boom and when I came ...
Key takeaway “Oh it was a boom and when I came outside you could smell gunpowder,” neighbor Dan Williams told Channel 2’s Tom Jones.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The shooting of 89-year-old John McPherson Sr. by Henry County police raises questions about the use of force in SWAT situations, particularly when they involve elderly individuals. As the GBI investigates the incident, the community will be watching to see how the Henry County D.A.'s office reviews the case. The fact that McPherson was armed and refused to put down his weapon is a critical factor, but the presence of a potential infant in the home adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Neighbors are already expressing concern about the events that unfolded, and it's likely that the community will be seeking more information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The outcome of the GBI's investigation and the D.A.'s review will be closely followed, as it may have implications for how law enforcement agencies in the Atlanta area approach similar situations in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? An 89-year-old man is in the hospital after police say he refused to put down his weapon and they shot him.It happened on King Mill Road in Henry County after officers say they went to his home to execute a search and arrest warrant. That’s when shots were fired.“Oh it was a boom and when I came ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tom Jones at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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