ATLANTA – Two students and two teachers at a Barrow County high school were shot and killed Wednesday morning by a 14-year-old student, state and local law enforcement authorities said.
Colt Gray, a student at Apalachee High School near Winder, surrendered to two school resource officers responding to the shootings shortly before 10:30 a.m., Chris Hosey, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, said late Wednesday afternoon during a news conference outside the school.
Nine others who were shot were transported to various hospitals, Hosey said.
“Law enforcement had a very, very swift response to this incident,” he said. “I am extremely grateful for that quick response.”
“Pure evil happened today,” said Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith, who followed Hosey to the microphone. “My heart hurts for these kids. My heart hurts for our community. But I want to make it clear that hate will not prevail in this county.”
Investigators did not release the names of the dead or wounded. Smith said he wasn’t aware of any warning the school may have received prior to the shootings, how the suspect got into the building or what weapon he used.
Federal and state leaders reacted with horror and sadness in the hours following the shootings.
“Jill and I are mourning the deaths of those whose lives were cut short due to more senseless gun violence and thinking of all of the survivors whose lives are forever changed,” President Joe Biden said. “What should have been a joyous back-to-school season in Winder, Georgia, has now turned into another horrific reminder of how gun violence continues to tear our communities apart.”
“Marty, the girls, and I are heartbroken by today’s tragedy at Apalachee High School,” Gov. Brian Kemp said. “This is a day every parent dreads, and Georgians everywhere will hug their children tighter this evening because of this painful event.
“We continue to work closely with local, state, and federal partners to make any and all resources available to help this community on this incredibly difficult day and in the days to come.”
“My heart and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those affected and the entire Barrow County community,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “This is an unimaginable loss for Barrow and for our entire educational community across the state.”
“Today is tragic for our community and the state of Georgia,” said state Sen. Bill Cowsert, R-Athens, whose Senate district includes portions of Barrow County. “The senseless act of violence at Apalachee High School has left us grieving for the innocent lives affected and the families shattered by this unimaginable tragedy.”
Democrats at the state and federal levels are certain to renew their calls for laws curbing access to firearms in the wake of the latest school shooting. Coincidentally, a Georgia Senate study committee formed to consider safe firearm storage legislation will meet Thursday at the state Capitol.
“I am committed to finding solutions to stop these tragedies before they occur,” Sen. Emmanuel Jones, D-Decatur, the committee’s chairman, said Wednesday. “This is not infringing on Second Amendment rights but protecting our children and our safety.”
Hosey said Gray will be charged with murder and tried as an adult.
As the investigation continues, Hosey asked anyone with information related to the shootings can call an anonymous tips line at 1-800-597-8477 or download the GBI’s See Something Send Something app.
Dallas LeDuff, superintendent of the Barrow County School District, said Barrow schools will be closed for the rest of this week. Grief counseling will be available at the district office, he said.
“As a school system, we’re here for you,” he said in a message to students and families. “We support you … as we grieve together.”