Six-month-old baby killed after getting caught in crossfire of gunfight

US

A six-month-old baby has been killed after getting caught in the crossfire of a gunfight in Atlanta.

The shooting happened near a convenience store and a school in the northwest of the city.

The child’s mother told WSB-TV that she was driving when she saw people in two cars firing at each other.

She said a bullet went through her car and hit her son, Grayson Matthew, who was sitting in the backseat.

The baby was pronounced dead at Grady Memorial Hospital, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

Police chief Rodney Bryant did not provide details at the scene but said the mother was “riding down the street and became a victim to gun violence”, the newspaper reported.

Mayor of Atlanta Andre Dickens condemned the use of guns to solve disputes.

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“The children are bearing this burden with their lives,” he said.

“I’m here to ask and demand that it stop right now.”

Governor of Georgia Brian Kemp said his thoughts are with the baby’s family.

“Our hearts are broken for the loss of this innocent child,” he said.

“We mourn this unfathomable tragedy tonight with the family.”

He added: “This kind of lawlessness must end, and these criminals must be held accountable.”

Channel 2 spoke to a child who heard the gunshots, who said: “Our windows were open. We heard originally what we thought were firecrackers, but it turned out to be gunshots.”

There was no immediate word on arrests.