Walmart Worker Opens Fire in Georgia Store, Killing Co-Worker and Injuring Another

Overnight shooting at Covington Walmart leaves one dead, one wounded; suspect arrested hours later in South Carolina

A quiet early morning inside a Georgia Walmart turned deadly Friday when an employee opened fire, killing a co-worker and wounding another person outside the store. The incident, which unfolded around 1:30 a.m. in Covington, left stunned employees reeling and a community searching for answers.

The suspect, also a Walmart worker, fled the scene but was later apprehended across state lines in South Carolina, according to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. The identities of the victims and the shooter have not yet been released.

What We Know So Far About the Shooting

The Covington Walmart, located southeast of Atlanta, was closed to the public at the time. Staff were inside, preparing for the next day. Then—gunshots.

The gunman allegedly shot and killed a co-worker inside the store. Moments later, another person was shot outside. That victim survived and was taken to a nearby hospital.

Authorities say the victims were known to the shooter, calling them “acquaintances,” but didn’t go into detail. They also haven’t confirmed a motive or what led to the violence. All they’ve said so far: the shooting wasn’t random.

The Scene at the Store: Chaos and Questions

Most employees were stocking shelves or prepping inventory when the gunfire started. Some ran. Others ducked behind aisles and counters. Panic spread quickly.

Law enforcement swarmed the area soon after the 911 calls came in.

Newton County Sheriff’s deputies arrived to find one victim already dead inside the store. The second had been wounded outside and was rushed to a hospital. That person’s current condition has not been released.

Just one sentence: It all happened in minutes.

Investigators sealed off the area and began piecing together what happened using surveillance footage, employee interviews, and store logs.

The Suspect Was Tracked Down Hours Later

It didn’t take long for police to catch up.

By Friday morning, less than 10 hours after the incident, the suspect had been located and taken into custody in South Carolina.

There was no high-speed chase, no standoff. Just a quiet arrest that closed a violent loop.

Here’s what we know about the timeline:

• 1:30 a.m. – Shooting reported inside Covington Walmart

• 1:45 a.m. – Police arrive, secure the scene

• Early morning – Suspect flees Georgia, crosses into South Carolina

• Before noon – Authorities confirm arrest of suspect

So far, no information has been released about how the suspect traveled, whether anyone assisted them, or if weapons were recovered during the arrest.

A Community Shaken Yet Again by Gun Violence

Covington is a small city, and this incident hit hard. Residents woke up to news of yet another workplace shooting—one that could’ve been worse if the store had been open.

Local leaders expressed sorrow and frustration. Community groups offered support to employees and their families.

“This is not what we want our community to be known for,” said one local pastor who came to the scene to pray with staff. “We are grieving. We are angry. But we will stand together.”

Just one sentence here. Everyone’s asking: Why?

The shooting adds to a growing list of workplace incidents involving firearms in the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 481 workplace homicides in 2023, with shootings accounting for the majority. Retail environments—like grocery stores and big box chains—have seen an uptick.

Workplace Violence in Retail: A Growing Concern

Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, has dealt with multiple workplace shootings in recent years. From El Paso to Chesapeake, tragedy seems to find its way into these stores more often than ever before.

In 2022, a Walmart night supervisor shot six co-workers in Virginia before taking his own life. That incident prompted a renewed look at security protocols, employee screening, and mental health resources.

Despite these measures, it keeps happening.

Here’s a breakdown of recent notable workplace shootings in Walmart locations:

It’s a trend that both terrifies and exhausts. And yet, nothing really changes.

What’s Next for Covington and This Investigation?

The Walmart in Covington remains closed as of Friday afternoon. Corporate spokespeople said the company is working with law enforcement and offering counseling services to all employees affected by the shooting.

One sentence: This wasn’t supposed to happen here.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office says more details—including names, potential charges, and motives—will be released after their preliminary investigation concludes.

For now, a family is mourning. Another is in shock. And a town is left with an uneasy silence.