Crime
Veterans Affairs Employee Dies After Being Shot at VA Clinic in Jasper
Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that unfolded Tuesday afternoon at a Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient clinic in Jasper, resulting in the death of a victim and the fatal shooting of the suspected gunman by responding officers.
According to preliminary information, law enforcement was dispatched to the facility at approximately 1:30 p.m. following reports of an active shooter.
Officers with the Jasper Police Department were first to arrive and encountered an individual believed to be responsible for the shooting.
During the confrontation, an officer discharged their weapon, striking the suspect.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs later confirmed that the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators reported that at least one victim was located at the clinic suffering from gunshot wounds.
The individual was airlifted to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital for emergency treatment.
A source told Channel2 NOW that a Veterans Affairs employee who was shot at the VA clinic in Jasper has succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The victimโs death has deeply impacted those who knew him. It has been shared that his wife is just weeks away from giving birth to their child, adding to the profound tragedy of this loss.
During this incredibly difficult time, thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones. The public is also urged to respect the familyโs privacy as they navigate this devastating and senseless loss.
The outpatient facility provides a range of services to veterans, including primary care, mental health services, laboratory testing, and telehealth. Calls to the clinic following the incident went unanswered as the situation remained active.
Officials have not confirmed whether there were additional injuries, and a motive for the shooting has not yet been released. Law enforcement agencies, including the Pickens County Sheriffโs Office, remain on scene as the investigation continues.
Jasper, a community of approximately 4,600 residents located about 60 miles north of Atlanta near the Appalachian Mountains, has been deeply impacted by the incident.
Unconfirmed reports indicate the victim leaves behind a spouse who is expecting a child in the coming weeks. Authorities and community members have expressed condolences, while also urging the public to respect the familyโs privacy during this difficult time.
Officials are emphasizing the importance of relying on verified information and cautioning against the spread of unconfirmed reports circulating on social media or scanner traffic.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected to be released as they become available.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. โ A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victimโs brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriffโs Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorneyโs Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reeceโs death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorneyโs Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriffโs Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorneyโs Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reeceโs death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriffโs Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorneyโs Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.