Atlanta VA hospital installs weapon detection system after veteran with knife killed in emergency room

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has installed a three-input weapons detection system at the VA Medical Center in Decatur.

“The safety and well-being of our Veteran patients, who entrust their care to us, and our staff, who support the VA mission remain our priority,” a VA spokesperson said in an email to Atlanta News First.

VA officials pledged to add the metal detectors in an interview with Atlanta News First in March.

They were installed on April 15.

“The weapons detection system, limited entry points and increased police patrols are measures that collectively deter crime, maintain order and improve the psychological and physical safety of our Veteran patients, our staff and our guests,” a VA spokesperson said.

The changes come after an Army veteran, who investigators say was wielding a knife, was shot and killed inside the emergency room in late January.

According to GBI investigators, a security guard shot John Robert Smith when he lunged at a VA staff member while holding a knife.

“This Memorial Day will be the first Memorial Day without him,” Onnie Smith, John’s mother, said in an interview Friday.

Smith said she would still like to know why a gun, rather than a non-lethal device like a Taser, was used in the incident.

She said that on the night of the incident, her son also had marks on his neck, from where he had attempted suicide the previous night.

“My son was killed in an emergency at the VA. (He) went for help, but was killed. So I don’t understand what kind of help that was,” Smith said.

“I want to know where the training is, has anyone been trained differently. No questions have been answered yet,” Smith said.

Smith supported installing the weapon detection system, but said the VA needs more resources to help people with mental illness.

“I hope his death brings serious change for veterans who go to the Veterans Affairs hospital for help,” Smith said.

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