A tragic shooting incident at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia, has resulted in the deaths of two students and two teachers, with nine others injured. A 14-year-old student has been taken into custody as the primary suspect in the shooting, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
Authorities rushed to the school on Wednesday morning after reports of an active shooter emerged around 10:20 a.m. GBI Director Chris Hosey announced that the suspect would face murder charges and be tried as an adult. Officers, along with two school resource officers on-site, responded quickly and encountered the suspect within minutes, leading to his immediate surrender.
Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “My heart hurts for these kids, my heart hurts for our community.” He emphasized a message of love overcoming hate in the aftermath of the tragedy. While details regarding the injuries were not disclosed, the sheriff mentioned that the investigation is ongoing and that authorities are examining how the suspect obtained the firearm.
Reports from Grady Memorial Hospital indicated that one gunshot wound victim was received from the school. Witness accounts described chaos as students were evacuated and reunited with their families.
The Barrow County school district announced that all schools would remain closed for the remainder of the week, and grief counseling services would be made available for students and staff.
Reactions to the shooting extended beyond the community, with President Biden condemning gun violence and calling it a “horrific reminder” of the ongoing issue in the nation. White House officials are coordinating with state and local agencies to respond to the incident. Additionally, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp urged prayer for those affected and confirmed that state resources are being mobilized in response to the shooting.
The White House called on Congress to take action on gun control, advocating for measures such as universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons.