The GBI says two students and two teachers were killed, and nine were hospitalized as the result of a shooting Wednesday at Apalachee High School in Winder. The GBI identified the suspect as 14-year-old Apalachee High student Colt Gray.
In a news conference Wednesday, GBI Director Chris Hosey said Gray will be charged with murder and tried as an adult.
Sheriff: ‘An evil thing’
Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith was overcome with emotion speaking to reporters. He said he never imagined in his career that he would address a tragedy like this in North Georgia. Smith says he was born and raised in the Barrow County School System, and his children attend Barrow County schools.
Smith said the investigation into the shooting is “very, very fluid” and in the early stages.
“What you see behind us is an evil thing today,” he said as he stood in front of the school where the deadly shooting occurred. Smith said Gov. Kemp reached out to him and will provide whatever is needed to ensure justice prevails.
Kemp released a statement earlier in the day: “I have directed all available state resources to respond to the incident at Apalachee High School and urge all Georgians to join my family in praying for the safety of those in our classrooms, both in Barrow County and across the state,” Kemp said. “We will continue to work with local, state, and federal partners as we gather information and further respond to this situation.”
On a personal note, Kemp wrote on social media the he and his family are “heartbroken” by the tragedy.
“This is a day every parent dreads, and Georgians everywhere will hug their children tighter this evening because of this painful event,” Kemp said.
Students, teachers shot during morning classes
According to the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 10:23 a.m., officers from multiple law enforcement agencies and Fire/EMS personnel were dispatched to the high school in reference to a report of an active shooter.
Apalachee and all Barrow County schools were placed on hard lockdown, according to Winder police, who responded in the immediate aftermath of the shooting to assist the sheriff’s office and local public safety. Aerial shots of the scene from 11Alive and other Atlanta TV stations showed a heavy police presence on the campus off Haymon Morris Road.
Federal response
The FBI Field Office in Atlanta released a statement saying, “FBI Atlanta is aware of the current situation at Apalachee High School in Barrow County. Our agents are on scene coordinating with and supporting local law enforcement.”
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the FBI and ATF are on the scene working with state, local, and federal partners. The attorney general said he is “devastated for the families who have been affected by this terrible tragedy.”
“The Justice Department stands ready to provide any resources or support that the Winder community needs in the days ahead,” he added.
According to a White House statement, President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting by Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, and his administration is in communication with federal, state, and local officials.
Georgia Congresswoman Lucy McBath, whose son Jordan Davis was killed by gun violence, said she was praying for the families of victims.
“I am praying for the students of Apalachee High School and the community of Winder,” she said in a statement. “I am praying for families across our state and entire country. Too many continue to experience the pain of gun violence. No family should have to go through this.”
Georgia U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff also issued a statement calling the shooting a “horrific attack” and a “despicable act of violence unimaginable for any parent.”
“I send my condolences to the families of the deceased, those injured in the attack, and all who witnessed such a tragic event,” Ossoff said. “I thank all first responders and local law enforcement who responded to the scene and have taken the suspect into custody.”
Shockwaves through community
The shooting sent shockwaves through the North Georgia community, and area schools increased security in response to it.
The GBI took to social media to alert the public that reports of additional shootings at nearby schools “are false.” They also labeled as “inaccurate” reports that the suspect, later identified as Gray, had been “neutralized.”
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the GBI through its online TipLine or by calling 1-800-597-8477.
Georgia Recorder reporter Ross Williams contributed to this report
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