Georgia police warn against New Year’s Eve celebratory gunfire

EAST POINT, Ga. - Law enforcement across Georgia is warning gun owners not to fire their weapons into the air to ring in the New Year. The old saying "what goes up, must come down" is true, but with celebratory gunfire, it can be deadly.

East Point Police Chief Sean Buchanan is urging residents to prioritize safety as they ring in the New Year, emphasizing a firm stance against celebratory gunfire. "As we approach this New Year 2025, we have a lot of great opportunities for us, and that goes for you too," Buchanan said in a video posted to Facebook on New Year’s Eve. "Our number one goal at the police department is to keep this city safe."

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Highlighting the dangers of celebratory gunfire, Buchanan appealed to the community to avoid this dangerous tradition, which he said claims lives across the United States each year. "Please, do not shoot guns in the air," Buchanan said. "Celebratory gunfire causes many deaths each year in the United States."

To address this issue, the department is taking a proactive approach with an increased presence of officers. "This year, we’re going to be extremely proactive in preventing this crime," Buchanan said. "We’ll have three times the number of officers on our streets, and they will be strategically placed within neighborhoods to catch people shooting firearms."

The chief made it clear that anyone caught engaging in celebratory gunfire will face consequences. "We don’t want to lock people up on New Year’s Eve, but if you’re shooting a firearm, that’s where you’re going — to jail," he said.

Buchanan concluded his message with an appeal for a safe and joyous celebration. "I ask each and every one of you to enjoy the New Year. Use fireworks instead of firearms," he urged. "Let’s make 2025 a beautiful and safe year for everyone."

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum echoed those sentiments during a press conference on Monday morning. "If you're going to come to Atlanta to street race, you're going to meet the Atlanta Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol," Schierbaum said. "We will have specialized teams deployed throughout the city."

Deadly consequences of celebratory gunfire

Law enforcement officials in Georgia are warning of the dangers posed by celebratory gunfire, a persistent issue that spikes during holidays such as New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July. While arrests for such incidents are rare, police stress the practice is not only dangerous, but can also be deadly.

One of the most heartbreaking incidents occurred on New Year’s Eve in 2010 when 4-year-old Marquel Peters was killed while attending a church service in Decatur, a suburb of Atlanta. A stray bullet fired into the air pierced the church roof, striking and instantly killing the young boy.

Marquel’s death spurred action in DeKalb County and beyond, leading to the creation of Marquel’s Pledge, a campaign aimed at reducing celebratory gunfire across Georgia.

ShotSpotter, a California-based security technology firm, reports that approximately 15% of all celebratory gunfire occurs on New Year’s Eve, on New Year’s Day, and on the Fourth of July. Two-thirds of these incidents happen around Independence Day, making it the peak period for this dangerous practice.

Authorities continue to emphasize the risks and urge communities to prioritize safety. As one officer noted, Marquel’s story serves as a tragic reminder of the lethal consequences of celebratory gunfire. Law enforcement agencies are encouraging gun owners to reconsider their actions, especially during holiday celebrations, to prevent further tragedies.

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Celebratory gunfire and Georgia law

Georgia prosecutors are taking a hard stance against celebratory gunfire, a dangerous practice that has led to injuries and property damage. Officials are pledging year-long sentences, fines, and probation for those caught firing guns into the air.

The move comes amid growing concern about the risks posed by bullets fired into the sky. A 2004 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention underscored the potential for severe injuries, particularly to the head, caused by bullets falling back to the ground at high speeds.

To address the issue, prosecutors say they will seek the confiscation of firearms involved in such incidents and may request psychological evaluations for offenders. "This is about protecting public safety and holding individuals accountable," said a spokesperson for the prosecutors' office.

SEE ALSO: Warning: Georgia homeowner's video exposes dangers of celebratory gunfire

Under Georgia law, discharging firearms is strictly regulated. It is illegal to:

• Fire a gun on private property without the owner’s permission.
• Fire a gun within 50 feet of a public road or highway.
• Fire a gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Violations of these laws are considered misdemeanor offenses; additional charges such as reckless conduct are often applied to celebratory gunfire cases.

In addition to state laws, many cities and counties in Georgia have enacted ordinances prohibiting the firing of weapons within their jurisdictions. Those found guilty may face further charges and penalties.

Prosecutors emphasize that the crackdown is part of a broader effort to deter reckless gun use, safeguard communities, and prevent tragic outcomes.