Contractor fatally shot outside Norfolk Southern facility in Cobb County

A contractor with Norfolk Southern was fatally shot Monday evening at the railroad company’s facility in Austell, officials said.

The incident happened around 10 p.m. at the Whitaker Intermodal Terminal along Dr. Luke Glenn Garrett Jr. Memorial Highway in Cobb County. A spokesperson for Norfolk Southern confirmed the shooting happened in the parking lot.

Austell police Capt. Timothy Allen told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution via email that the victim was found lying on the ground suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The man was taken to Wellstar Cobb Medical Center, where he died, Allen said.

“Our hearts are heavy this morning with the loss of our colleague and we extend our deepest sympathies to their friends and family,” the Norfolk Southern spokesperson said in a statement.

The man’s name was not released.

Police did not provide information on an alleged gunman, but Allen said the investigation remains “active and ongoing.” Law enforcement described the incident as “isolated” with no known threats to the public.

Austell police said the Cobb police department responded to the scene to assist. Norfolk Southern also said its own police department is investigating.

Norfolk Southern is headquartered in Atlanta and operates in the eastern U.S.