Sister of Minn. state senator killed in Atlanta shooting

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The victim of a deadly shooting at a Buckhead bar early Saturday morning was identified as the sister of a Minnesota state senator.

Atlanta Police said 25-year-old Taylor Hayden was caught in the crossfire between two groups who were shooting at each other at Anchor Down Grille and Lounge.

"She was a beacon of light in our family," said State Senator Jeff Hayden.

Senator Hayden told Fox 5's Nathalie Pozo, his sister was visiting Atlanta to celebrate a college friend's birthday.

Taylor graduated from Prairie View A&M University in Texas with a degree in communications.

‪Senator Hayden said after spending a year at home in Minneapolis Taylor moved back to Texas and worked with Enterprise where she was doing very well and was looking forward to a bright future.

"Taylor was a victim of doing the right thing and she got in between two groups of people who did not understand conflict resolution and thought shooting each other was the way," said Senator Hayden.

Senator Hayden said his family is grieving and are relying heavily on their faith to get through this difficult time. Senator Hayden hopes this senseless act opens a conversation about gun violence.

"As a state senator, I often fight to make sure responsible gun ownership is part of what we do in Minnesota," said Senator Hayden. "I often have people who push against that thinking we are going to take their guns away, I just don't want the guns with the people who shot my sister."

Senator Hayden is focusing on bringing Taylor home and making funeral arrangements. Atlanta Police continue their investigation.