Ophthalmologist identified as suspect in Atlanta shooting

The suspected shooter who was involved in an hours-long brawl in Atlanta on Tuesday afternoon has been identified as retired ophthalmologist Jay Berger, M.D.

A 70-year-old man was arrested by police on Tuesday and accused of firing multiple shots from his Four Seasons high-rise apartment building in mid-Atlanta. – reports a local news service 11Alive.

People who spoke to the news outlet said they were shocked by Berger’s behavior. One of his friends described him as “a kind man who always treated people with respect” and was said to have mentored young medical students.

Berger has an active medical license in Georgia that expires in March 2025, according to state medical board records. Board documents show he holds a degree in ophthalmology and trained at Brown University in the early 1980s.

In the physician-written section of the licensing site, Berger wrote that his office, located on Fourteenth Street in Atlanta, “offers state-of-the-art cataract and refractive surgery, as well as general eye examinations for glasses and contact lenses. Laser surgery is available for glaucoma and diabetes, as well as refractive surgery for farsightedness and nearsightedness.

The confusion lasted several hours on Tuesday and ended with Berger’s arrest the same day. The conflict reportedly escalated into multiple shots fired According to 11Alive.

On Tuesday around 10 a.m., police received a call for help with a mental health issue after Berger reportedly became aggressive towards a hotel employee. Berger also allegedly pointed a gun at the manager.

When police arrived, Berger allegedly refused to open the door and appeared agitated. They determined he had multiple firearms in his unit, including a pistol, a shotgun and a rifle.

At 11 a.m., Berger allegedly began shooting from his apartment, and witnesses reported hearing gunshots in the hallways and doorways.

An hour later, Berger was seen on his balcony wearing a gas mask and waving American flags. 11Alive reported. He also allegedly threw furniture and other items off the balcony, raising concerns for pedestrians below.

According to reports, around 4:15 p.m. – more than six hours after the first call was made – Berger came out onto the balcony and appeared to gesture as if he was surrendering. 11Alive. However, a short time later, Berger became erratic again and a SWAT sniper fired, hitting Berger.

SWAT officers then stormed his unit and arrested Berger without further incident.

One of the SWAT officers who was hit by gunfire was taken to the hospital but was released and is recovering, according to reports. However, Berger remains in hospital in police custody.