Georgia Clinic Shooting Claims Life of VA Social Worker
A Veterans Affairs social work case manager died after a shooting at the Pickens County VA Clinic in Jasper, Georgia. The victim, Nicholas “Nic” Crews of Marietta, succumbed to his injuries the day after the attack.
What happened
The shooting took place Tuesday at the clinic. Crews was airlifted for advanced care but died Wednesday, authorities said.
The suspect, 51-year-old Lawrence Charles Michels of Jasper, was shot and killed by responding personnel. Officials say Michels had visited the clinic for a walk-in mental health consultation.
Sequence after the attack
After the initial shooting, Michels left the clinic. He encountered an armed civilian and law enforcement officers, and then fired at them.
Those who engaged him returned fire. Michels was struck and later pronounced dead, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Victim and family
Crews worked as the clinic’s social work case manager. He lived in Marietta with his wife and young children.
His wife, Alyssa, is expecting the couple’s third child and is due in about two weeks. Crews had turned 34 on March 14.
Investigations and agency response
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the FBI are investigating the shooting. The VA’s Office of Inspector General is assisting.
VA Secretary Doug Collins offered condolences and said the department is supporting Crews’ family, coworkers and local veterans. VA Press Secretary Peter Kasperowicz confirmed counseling and chaplain services are available.
Clinic status and services
The Pickens County VA Clinic is part of the VA Atlanta Healthcare System. It opened in 2020 and serves thousands of veterans in northern Georgia.
Services include primary care, mental health treatment and lab work. The clinic remained closed through the rest of the week following the shooting.
Community response and support
A family friend launched a GoFundMe to assist the Crews family. Colleagues and local health workers expressed deep sorrow and support.
Context on workplace violence
Health care workers face elevated risks of workplace violence. The American College of Surgeons says health care staff are five times more likely to experience violence than other occupations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 63% rise in violence-related injury rates among medical professionals between 2011 and 2018. Reports indicate incidents have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Victim: Nicholas “Nic” Crews, 34, Marietta, GA.
- Suspect: Lawrence Charles Michels, 51, Jasper, GA.
- Location: Pickens County VA Clinic, Jasper, Georgia.
- Actions: FBI and GBI investigating; VA OIG assisting.
The Georgia clinic shooting and the loss of a VA social worker have left the community mourning. Filmogaz.com will provide updates as more information becomes available.
