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Augusta, GA

One arrested in downtown Augusta shooting, GBI releases new information

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One arrested in downtown Augusta shooting, GBI releases new information


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The Georgia Bureau of Investigation on Sunday released more information about the multi-block shootout in downtown Augusta early Saturday that left three people injured.

The suspect, who was shot by Richmond County sheriff’s deputies, was identified by the GBI as Amazing Lee Blessed Brigham, 19, of Hephzibah. He is in custody, charged with two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a gun during a crime. 

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New information released by GBI

Just before 1:15 a.m. Saturday, three Richmond County deputies were working off-duty jobs at Solé restaurant, located at 1033 Broad St., when they heard multiple gunshots, according to the release.

The deputies responded to the gunshots and “encountered a man outside of the restaurant holding an assault pistol,” according to the GBI. Two of the three deputies shot at the suspect, hitting the suspect at least once. 

Two other bystanders were also hit by gunfire and sustained superficial gunshot wounds, according to the release.

Sheriff Richard Roundtree said during a press conference Saturday the deputies “found what appeared to be at least two males exchanging gunfire in the middle of a crowded sidewalk” and “one of the suspects was firing an assault weapon into a crowd of bystanders,” according to previous reporting.

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More: Augusta sheriff, mayor try to reassure downtown residents after Saturday shootout

The GBI is still investigating who shot the rounds that hit the two bystanders.

The suspect and bystanders were taken to a local hospital and treated for their gunshot wounds, according to the release.

The GBI noted the gunfire outside of the restaurant was between the suspect and “multiple other unidentified individuals” and the gunfight covered an area of two to three blocks, according to the release. 

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GBI agents confirmed there is bodycam footage and surveillance footage from multiple nearby businesses.

The GBI reported the motive behind the gunfight is unknown, but multiple weapons and evidence were recovered at the crime scene, including seven vehicles hit by gunfire. Several businesses in the area suffered damage from the many gunshots that were fired.

No deputies were injured during the encounter, according to the GBI and sheriff’s office.

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation, according to the release. Once complete, the case file will be given to the Augusta District Attorney’s Office for review.

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The GBI is asking for anyone with information, photos, or video footage related to this incident to provide it to the GBI or the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. The GBI communications center can be reached at (404) 244-2600. Confidential tips for the sheriff’s office can be posted online at www.richmondcountysheriffsoffice.com/crime-tip.cfm.



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Augusta, GA

Augusta Regional Airport hosts drone camp for students

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Augusta Regional Airport hosts drone camp for students


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students showcased drones they built during a two-week summer camp at Augusta Regional Airport on Friday.

12 junior and high school students attended the camp, where they learned to fly and build drones designed to help others.

Anderson Puryear, a student, said the camp focused on delivering small medical supplies.

“It was focused on delivering small medical supplies like an EPI pen or glucose packet for like diabetics and for people with allergies in need in the real world that could obviously help save lives, and if people are like in a place in a boat or like in the desert or in the forest where they can’t easily access those supplies it can save their lives,” Puryear said.

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The airport partnered with Georgia Tech, state troopers and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Department for the Air Edu Summer Camp.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival draws crowds despite heat

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10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival draws crowds despite heat


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.

Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.

Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.

“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.

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The festival runs until 10 p.m.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

Augusta Dream Center sees surge in families needing food as summer begins

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Augusta Dream Center sees surge in families needing food as summer begins


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.

Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.

“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”

Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.

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“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.

The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.

Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.

“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”

No paperwork is required to receive help.

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“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”

The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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