LEE COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia man has been charged with aggravated assault after allegedly opening fire on a Black family reunion gathering in Lee County, an incident authorities say stemmed from a prior confrontation and is now under investigation as potentially racially motivated.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on Sunday, June 7, to reports of a shooting in the 100–200 block of Autumn Leaf Drive in the Leesburg area. Witnesses said the violence unfolded during a family reunion that included multiple generations, including children and elderly relatives.
Investigators said the incident began earlier in the evening when a vehicle passed the gathering and a man later identified as Jeffrey Tyler Kinzer allegedly shouted racial slurs at people outside the home. Witnesses described the encounter as tense but said the vehicle initially left the area.
Family members told reporters they contacted law enforcement shortly afterward. However, roughly five minutes later, the vehicle reportedly returned.
Witnesses said Kinzer returned to the scene wearing body armor and carrying an AR-15–style rifle. At that point, people at the gathering began running for cover.
According to accounts provided to authorities, Kinzer opened fire toward the property, prompting several people at the gathering to return fire in defense. One family member, described as a Marine veteran, reportedly engaged the suspect during the exchange.
A bullet allegedly struck Kinzer during the gunfire exchange, and he was later taken into custody after receiving medical treatment.
Kinzer was charged with aggravated assault and transported to the Lee County Jail after being released from the hospital. Authorities have indicated that additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Officials have not yet confirmed whether the case will include hate crime enhancements, but the sheriff’s office noted the investigation is ongoing and includes statements from witnesses alleging the use of racial slurs before the shooting.
The family involved has described the incident as a racially motivated attack during what was intended to be a peaceful reunion.
The case has drawn strong reactions online and in the local community, with many calling for additional charges and a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Officials have urged the public to allow investigators to complete their work before drawing conclusions.
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