[ March 19, 2026 ] UPDATE: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has released new details regarding the tragic shooting at the Pickens County VA Clinic on Tuesday, March 17, confirming the devastating loss of a clinic employee.

The victim has been identified as 34-year-old Nicholas "Nic" Crews of Marietta, Georgia, who was employed as a Social Work Case Manager at the facility. After being shot inside the clinic, Crews was transported to a trauma hospital, where he tragically died from his injuries on Wednesday, March 18.

The GBI identified the shooter as 51-year-old Lawrence Charles Michels of Jasper. According to the investigation, Michels was at the clinic for a walk-in mental health consultation when he shot Crews.

After the initial shooting, Michels exited the building where he encountered responding police officers and an armed civilian. Michels, armed with a handgun, exchanged gunfire with the officers and the civilian. He was struck during the exchange and pronounced dead at the scene. The GBI confirmed that no officers were injured in the incident.

Autopsies for both Crews and Michels will be performed at the GBI Crime Lab. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Once completed, the GBI will hand the case file over to the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for review.


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(March 17, 2026) A shooting at the Pickens County VA Clinic on Tuesday afternoon left a clinic employee wounded and the suspected shooter dead. Local, state, and federal agencies are currently conducting an active investigation into the incident.

At approximately 1:30 PM on March 17, local law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire at the East Church Street facility. Officers confronted the suspected shooter outside the clinic, resulting in the suspect being shot and killed. One victim, confirmed to be a VA clinic employee, was airlifted to an area hospital for medical treatment. Their condition has not been released. No other individuals inside the clinic were injured.

The swift response involved multiple agencies, with the Jasper Police Department and the Pickens County Sheriff's Office working together to secure the scene. State and local leaders, including Representative Rick Jasperse and Governor Brian Kemp, have expressed their heartbreak over the tragic event, offering their thoughts and prayers for the victim, the community, and the first responders who quickly managed the situation.

CLINIC CLOSURE INFORMATION
Due to the ongoing investigation, the Pickens VA Clinic will be closed Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 20.

Appointment Updates: Contact 404-545-9452.

Rescheduling: Call the AVAHCS at 404-321-6111 and select Option 2.

Emergencies: Dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

For more information and future updates regarding clinic services, please visit the VA.gov.