ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A rideshare driver was shot by a passenger during a drop-off early Sunday in southwest Atlanta, police said.

The shooting happened on Murphy Avenue after the driver and passenger got into an argument, according to Atlanta police. Police said the passenger got out of the vehicle, pulled out a gun and shot the driver.

The wounded driver then drove himself to Grady Memorial Hospital, police said. Authorities have not released the driver’s condition.

The driver had picked up the passenger on Brady Avenue NW before taking the person across town to Murphy Avenue, police said.

The suspect remained at large Sunday. Police have not identified the passenger or released a possible motive.

Bob, co-chair of the Atlanta Rideshare Drivers Union, said drivers face safety risks each time they accept a ride.

“At any given time, we could be going to work and not know whether we’re going to come back alive,” Bob said. “It could happen to any one of us.”

Bob said drivers are not permitted to carry weapons while working, while passengers may legally carry concealed firearms.

“While the passenger can easily be armed and have a concealed weapon, the drivers cannot take any,” he said. “We cannot do anything to protect ourselves in situations like that.”

Drivers said they encourage colleagues to trust their instincts, cancel trips that feel unsafe and install dash cameras.

Some rideshare passengers said they feel safe using the services but recognize the risks drivers take. Sarah Marks said passengers should be subject to background checks, similar to those required for drivers.

“I think that there should be background checks for passengers as well,” Marks said. “I completely understand why it would be unnerving.”

Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.