Athens, TN – A tragic shooting in Athens, Tennessee, on the evening of Wednesday, August 6, 2025, has left one person dead and another injured. The incident occurred near Harris Street and Leveck Street, where gunfire erupted late in the evening. Multiple suspects fled the scene immediately after the shooting, prompting a large-scale police search.
Athens Police Department and emergency services quickly responded to the reports of shots fired and arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. Upon arrival, officers found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Both individuals were treated at the scene by EMS personnel before being transported for emergency medical care.
Sadly, one victim succumbed to their injuries shortly after being transported to the hospital. The second victim’s condition remains undisclosed as of Thursday morning. The police have not released the names of the victims, pending family notifications.
Details of the Shooting and Investigation
The area was quickly cordoned off, and Athens police initiated a thorough canvassing of the neighborhood, looking for witnesses, surveillance footage, and any possible leads to help identify the suspects who fled the scene. Authorities have confirmed that multiple individuals were involved in the shooting and immediately fled on foot or in a vehicle after the gunfire.
“This is an active investigation,” said a spokesperson for the Athens Police Department. “We are working diligently to identify those responsible for this senseless violence and are asking the community for assistance.”
Search for the Suspects
The police are urging anyone with information about the incident, especially residents near Harris and Leveck Streets, to come forward. Authorities have specifically requested that individuals with security cameras in the area check their footage for any suspicious activity or signs of the suspects fleeing the scene.
Local law enforcement has yet to make any arrests, and the suspects remain at large. The investigation is still in its early stages, and police have not disclosed further details regarding the suspects’ identities or any possible motives behind the shooting.
Community Impact and Public Safety
This shooting has shaken the typically quiet community of Athens, which has not experienced such violent crime in recent memory. Local leaders have called for community cooperation as law enforcement works to solve the case. The shooting has prompted concern and vigilance among residents, many of whom are eager to see justice served.
“This is an extremely troubling situation for our community,” said Athens Mayor Jared Thompson. “We are deeply saddened by this loss of life and are working closely with law enforcement to ensure that the responsible individuals are found and brought to justice. We ask everyone to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities.”
Appeal for Information
As the investigation continues, the Athens Police Department is calling for anyone with information to come forward. Witnesses who saw or heard anything suspicious, or anyone who may have security footage that could aid in the investigation, are urged to contact police directly.
“We’re counting on the community’s support to help us solve this case,” said the Athens Police Department spokesperson. “If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, please contact us or leave an anonymous tip with McMinn County Crime Stoppers.”
The Athens Police Department can be reached at (423) 745-1311, and tips can be submitted anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-888-748-0041.
Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation
The shooting in Athens, Tennessee, remains a developing story. As the investigation progresses, police continue to follow leads and search for suspects. Authorities have emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public at this time, but they are asking residents to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious.
The community of Athens is left grieving after the tragic loss of life, and local law enforcement is working tirelessly to uncover the motive behind the attack. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.