Four people have been confirmed dead and approximately 30 others injured following a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, on Tuesday. Law enforcement officials have taken a suspect into custody as the investigation into the tragic event unfolds.
The shooting took place at the high school, located about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, during the morning hours. Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith confirmed the latest casualty numbers, with emergency responders rushing many of the injured to nearby hospitals. The condition of those injured remains unclear, but authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
The incident triggered a massive response from local and state authorities, including the Winder Police, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and the FBI. Law enforcement officials are still working to determine the identity of the suspect and the motive behind the attack.
Governor Brian Kemp has mobilized all available state resources to support the response and investigation, while President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation by Homeland Security officials. The federal government is offering assistance to state and local authorities as they continue to process the aftermath of the attack.
The White House says “enough is enough” when it comes to school shootings. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed on the Georgia high school shooting that killed four and injured at least nine others this morning. She added that while the president and vice president have taken action to reduce gun violence, more must be done. Jean-Pierre said the White House continues to urge Congress to take action like instituting a universal background check and a ban on assault weapons. She said they must do everything possible to keep children safe.
Following the shooting, the school was placed on lockdown, which has since been lifted. Students and staff were evacuated to the football field, where they were later released to their families. Many parents rushed to the scene, with some parking over a mile away to reach the evacuation site and reunite with their children.
Apalachee High School, which enrolls about 1,900 students, is now the center of an active investigation as law enforcement officers collect evidence and work to understand the events that led to the shooting. The names of the victims have not yet been released, as authorities work to notify their families.
As the small community of Winder grapples with the devastating loss of life, Sheriff Smith noted the enormity of the tragedy, stating, “This is a bad day,” while ensuring that the safety of the community remains the top priority.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.
