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.

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.

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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