ATLANTA — Georgia State University's student body president is calling on city leaders to heighten security efforts after a deadly shooting near campus last weekend.
Authorities previously said a man died after he was shot multiple times near the RaceTrac gas station along Piedmont Avenue last Sunday.
The RaceTrac, which is located at 120 Piedmont Ave. N.E., has since announced it's closing down. The decision came after RaceTrac officials said they monitored the safety of team members and guests at the location and its financial impact on the business.
The shooting not only claimed a life, but many say it's claimed a sense of security for those who live, work and travel around GSU's campus.
"There was pictures of his body being floated around social media. It's just heavy. When you hear about it, it's one thing but when you can see it and to know that students were looking right out their window here at the Commons and seeing his body. It was just difficult," GSU student body president Jayvion Sheppard said.
Sheppherd wrote an open letter this week urging the City of Atlanta to strengthen its partnership with the school and address underlying issues he thinks will cut down on the violence.
"I want to see meaningful investment in critical areas like education, pedestrian safety and infrastructure. Ways to make it safe for students to be on campus," Sheppherd said.
11Alive has previously reported on at least four shootings near GSU's campus in the last year and a half.
Last November, 19-year-old Deasia Hart died after a shooting between two groups, which escalated into an exchange of gunfire. There were also two separate shootings in April 2023 and December 2022.
GSU University President M. Brian Blake previously released a statement expressing concern while also saying the university will "continue to make strides in enhancing and defining our campus and securing our spaces" after the latest shooting near campus.
11Alive has reached out to GSU Police and Atlanta Police to find out if either agency had a response to Shepperd's letter or the crime in the area. APD referred us to GSU Police, but we have not yet received a response from school police.