ATLANTA — Just a few days before Atlanta hosts one of the biggest conventions in the country, a deadly shooting at a video game tournament one state away has organizers of that convention reviewing their security measures.
Atlanta will play host to Dragon Con from Aug. 30 to Sep. 3. Security is high on the minds of all set to attend, in the wake of a shooting at the Jacksonville Landing in Jacksonville Florida. Authorities say 24-year-old David Katz, of Baltimore, opened fire as the tournament was ongoing, killing two and wounding several others. They say Katz then turned the gun on himself.
But organizers of Dragon Con are reassuring fans that security measures are in place to keep everyone safe.
For example, it's already standard procedure for convention-goers to have a badge on at all times. Security will be checking those badges as they always do. Attendees will also have to show a room key in order to access any of the five host hotels. Also, no weapons of any kind will be allowed at the convention - even if someone has a Georgia weapons carry license, or a similar permit from another state.
11Alive did get a statement from Dragon Con's media coordinator, who said, "Our hearts go out to the victims in Jacksonville. We will be discussing the events with the Atlanta Police Department, the Dragon Con hotels and our own security team over the coming days. Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of the fans who come to Dragon Con."
