Update 4:39 PM local time
14-year-old Colt Gray, identified as the Apalachee High School shooting suspect
Update 2:29 PM local time:
Barrow County Sheriff Joe Smith held a press briefing following the incident, giving basic details but answering no questions.
“It was an evil thing today,” said the Sheriff. “At about nine-thirty this morning, we received our first call that there was an active shooter on this campus.”
Students are being reunified with their parents, and the sheriff vowed to get answers but made clear the investigation is very active and developing. The sheriff asked for patience and said he would provide updates later. The sheriff released no death till or injury information and just said that there were “multiple injuries.”
Update 1:29 PM local time:
At least four people are confirmed dead, and 30 more were injured, according to CNN.
(SQAUK) WINDER — In a tragic event on Wednesday, a shooter opened fire at a high school in Georgia, leaving multiple people dead. The incident occurred at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, northeast of Atlanta. Several victims were confirmed, though authorities have yet to release an official number of fatalities. At least one person was airlifted from the scene by a medical helicopter, signaling the severity of the injuries.
The gunman was swiftly apprehended and is now in police custody. Local authorities, including the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office and state emergency responders, quickly swarmed the school after receiving reports of an active shooter. Governor Brian Kemp responded to the tragedy by dispatching state resources to assist with the investigation and support the affected families. In a statement, Kemp expressed his deep sorrow for the victims and their families and praised law enforcement for their rapid response, providing a sense of reassurance about their capabilities.
The school was immediately placed under lockdown as authorities worked to secure the area. Students and staff were initially instructed to shelter in place while law enforcement combed through the building and surrounding premises. Evacuations followed, and students were safely escorted to a nearby football field, where many were eventually reunited with their families.
First responders, including multiple ambulances and fire trucks, rushed to the scene, accompanied by helicopters, which were used to transport those with life-threatening injuries to nearby hospitals. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with some students and staff fleeing the building while others were locked in classrooms awaiting safety instructions.
Though the shooter is now in custody, questions remain about the motivation and events that led to the attack. Investigators are working diligently to piece together a timeline and uncover any possible motives behind the shooting. The Barrow County School District issued a statement expressing their condolences to the victims and affirming that grief counselors would be available for students, staff, and families affected by the tragedy.
Governor Kemp’s office and law enforcement agencies have promised a thorough investigation. Kemp assured the public that the state would continue to provide resources to ensure the safety of schools and prevent future tragedies. His office coordinates with local law enforcement to assist in any way possible.
This shooting adds to a troubling pattern of gun violence in schools across the country. Communities are once again grappling with the trauma and seeking answers to the enduring issue of school shootings. This incident has reignited calls for increased security in schools and stricter gun control measures. Local officials have announced plans to hold a town hall to address community concerns and discuss preventative measures moving forward.
The families of the victims, along with the entire school community, face a long road to recovery as they process the devastating loss. More details are expected to emerge in the coming days as the investigation unfolds.
For now, the focus remains on the victims and their families as they cope with the tragedy. However, the community’s resilience and unity in support of the affected families bring a sense of hope in the face of this devastating loss.
