Augusta, GA

Brothers arrested in downtown Augusta shooting

Published

2 years ago

June 12, 2024

Brothers arrested in downtown Augusta shooting

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Two suspects – apparently brothers – have been arrested in connection with the downtown Augusta shooting last weekend.

Amazing Lee Blessed Brigham, 19, was arrested Tuesday after being released from the hospital, where he’d been since shortly after the shooting early Saturday at 10th and Broad streets.

Also arrested Tuesday was Seven D. Whitfield, 23. Their sister told News 12 on Saturday that Whitfield had been taken to the hospital immediately after the shooting but released and was not considered a suspect at that time. Something apparently changed between Saturday and Tuesday.

Brigham was being held Wednesday in Richmond County jail on two counts of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm or knife during a crime.

DOWNTOWN SHOOTING: TEAM COVERAGE

Whitfield was being held on one count of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm or knife during a crime.

On Wednesday, bond for each was listed as $7,900 on the weapons charge, with no bond listed in the aggravated assault counts.

From left: Amazing Brigham and Seven Whitfield(Contributed)

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation had already confirmed Monday that Brigham was a suspect.

The gunfire broke out around 1:15 a.m. Saturday, setting off chaos among frightened downtown visitors, spawning complaints from business owners concerned about safety and spurring the mayor to ask the state for law enforcement assistance.

Authorities have said there was a gunfight between at least one person and multiple others.

Three Richmond County deputies were working off-duty jobs at the restaurant Sole and heard the gunfire and rushed outside, where they found a man holding an assault pistol.

Two of the three deputies shot at the suspect, hitting him at least once.

The GBI says two other bystanders were also hit by gunfire. The suspect, along with the two bystanders, were taken to a local hospital and treated for their injuries.

The GBI said it is unknown what started the fight that led to the gunfight.

Multiple weapons were recovered at the crime scene, as well as other evidence of the crime, including seven vehicles that were hit by gunfire.

Several businesses sustained damage from several gunshots.

People told News 12 they heard what sounded like 100 gunshots. Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree – who’s facing a runoff election in less than a week – said he couldn’t comment on the number of rounds, but said it was a “massive amount.”

The GBI is conducting an independent investigation.

Once complete, the case file will be given to the Augusta District Attorney’s Office for review.

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Augusta, GA

Aerospace program milestone reached at Thompson Farm in Augusta

Published

4 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

Aerospace program milestone reached at Thompson Farm in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students at Richmond County Technical Magnet School achieved a milestone by launching their 500th non-kit rocket.

Students launched rockets at Thompson Farm in Augusta. The launch is part of the school’s aerospace program that has been part of their STEM curriculum since 2014.

The Augusta Fire Department collaborated with the group for the launch.

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Augusta, GA

Savannah woman attacked with acid, recovering at Augusta burn center

Published

16 hours ago

December 13, 2025

Press Room

Savannah woman attacked with acid, recovering at Augusta burn center

SAVANNAH, Ga. – A woman is recovering in Augusta after being attacked with acid earlier this week in Savannah.

Around 8:16 p.m. Wednesday, she was walking around Forsyth Park and a man hiding in the shadows near Whitaker Street suddenly came out and attacked her with an unknown chemical.

The liquid melted through her clothing and headphones.

The victim has been identified as Ashley Wasielewski, of Savannah, according to sources close to her family.

First responders located and treated the victim on scene before transferring her to a local hospital. Wasielewski has now been transferred to a regional burn center for advanced treatment. Sources close to the family said the burn center is in Augusta.

Sources close to the family said Wasielewski is stable after suffering second-degree burns.

Photos of the victim before and after an acid attack in Forsyth Park(N/A)

Savannah police say they don’t believe the attacker was known to the victim.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.

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Augusta, GA

Red Kettle Campaign short $100K of goal as it enters its final days

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Red Kettle Campaign short 0K of goal as it enters its final days

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta’s Red Kettle Campaign is working to close a $100,000 gap before Christmas Eve.

With just 11 days left in the 2025 Red Kettle Campaign, the Salvation Army of Augusta is urging the community to rally together.

The Red Kettle Campaign is the largest fundraiser of the year for The Salvation Army.

The campaign funds programs and services that support neighbors in need throughout the entire year.

Every penny donated through the Red Kettles stays in the Augusta area, ensuring local impact.

Proceeds from the campaign directly support the Center of Hope. In addition to providing a safe place to sleep, the Center of Hope operates a soup kitchen that serves approximately 200 meals every day.

In the past year, the Salvation Army has assisted more than 900 local residents through its rent and utility assistance program.

“The Red Kettle represents so much more than a simple donation—it represents hope for families right here in our community,” said Major Jonathan Raymer, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Augusta.

“Every dollar dropped into the kettle helps provide shelter, meals, case management, and stability for our neighbors who need it most. With just days left in this campaign, we are asking the CSRA to show up in a big way.”

The Salvation Army of Augusta is encouraging community members to donate when they see a Red Kettle. For those who are cashless, donations can be made online at donateaugusta.org.

If you would like to volunteer for the Red Kettle Campaign, visit ringforhope.org.

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