The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that four individuals were killed in a shooting at Apalachee High School. The suspected shooter, 14-year-old Colt Gray, is currently in custody. The victims include two math teachers, Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie, and two students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, all 14 years old. Medical personnel have released all patients who were treated at Northeast Georgia Medical Centers in Barrow and Braselton, and school activities have been canceled for the rest of the week.
On Wednesday morning, the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office began receiving emergency calls around 10:20 a.m. Officers arrived within minutes and quickly confronted Gray, who surrendered without incident. Sheriff Jud Smith stated that the ongoing investigation is exploring all angles to determine any connections between the shooter and the victims.
The GBI is focused on collecting accurate information, and a press conference is set to provide further updates. Following the shooting, students were released to their families by 11:30 a.m., while Winder-Barrow High School was briefly put on lockdown as a precaution.
Currently, Colt Gray is being held at a youth detention center, facing charges including murder, with further charges anticipated. Investigators have noted that there is no evidence suggesting involvement by others or additional threats to nearby schools, but they maintain vigilance.
Colt Gray reportedly used an “AR-platform style weapon,” and authorities are investigating how he acquired it and managed to bring it to school. The FBI had previously looked into his online activity over a year ago but did not have sufficient evidence to proceed with charges.
In the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement conducted a search of Gray’s home for evidence and relevant electronics. Witnesses describe the chaotic scene as police responded with significant force, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Students who experienced the shooting shared their harrowing accounts, expressing disbelief and sorrow over the loss of their classmates and teachers. Community members and local leaders have come together in mourning, with a prayer vigil held to support those affected by the violence.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp pledged full state resources for the investigation, emphasizing the personal impact of this tragedy. Meanwhile, President Biden has been briefed on the situation, and his administration is coordinating responses with local and federal authorities.