State lawmaker shot during robbery in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ga. — State Rep. Gerald Greene was shot Thursday during a robbery at a convenience store in Columbus.

A spokesman for Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, said the Cuthbert Republican is in stable condition at a Columbus area hospital after being wounded in the leg.Sen. Josh McKoon, R-Columbus, said Greene is being treated at Midtown Medical Center.

Ralston spokesman Kaleb McMichen said Greene had stopped for gas when the incident apparently occurred.

Greene apparently was returning home to South Georgia from the Capitol when he was shot. He attended Thursday’s session of the General Assembly.

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The circumstances surrounding the robbery are unclear. Columbus police and the Muscogee County sheriff’s office both said they were unaware of the incident.

"Chairman Greene is a trusted member of our leadership team and a dear friend,” Ralston said. “While this news is upsetting, we are relieved that his injuries are not critical. We look forward to having our colleague back soon."

Greene has been in the House for 34 years and is chairman of the State Properties Committee. His district includes a part of Albany, which has suffered through two bouts of devastating storms.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Gerald and we hope for a speedy recovery,” Gov. Nathan Deal said in a statement.

Cox Media Group