Olympic gold medalist robbed at gunpoint

By Eric Stirgus

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta police detectives on Tuesday scoured the parking lot of Atlanta mayoral candidate Kasim Reed's headquarters for clues to catch the gunman who robbed an Olympic gold medalist working for his campaign.

Monique Hennagan, who won gold medals in the 1,600-meter relay in the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics, said she was being escorted to her car around 8:15 p.m. Monday by Reed's deputy field director, Tyler Pryor, when a gunman ordered them both to drop their car keys on the ground.

They said they both complied. After being ordered toward a wall, they both walked quickly around the corner of the headquarters, located at 964 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. SW, and dialed 911.

When police arrived minutes later, Hennagan's black 2004 Infiniti was gone.

"It was just shocking," said Hennagan, 33, campaign field manager. "I couldn't believe we were getting robbed at gunpoint."

Both workers were unharmed.

Reed said he will enhance security around the headquarters. The candidate also said the incident highlights his concern that more cops are needed on Atlanta's streets. Reed has said he will add 750 officers to the force in his first term.

"I am more convinced than ever that enough is enough," he said. "This kind of violence cannot simply stand in our city any longer."