4 dead in Georgia high school shooting

Two students and two teachers were killed in a Wednesday shooting at a Georgia high school, a Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) official said in an afternoon press briefing.

The suspect, a 14-year-old student at Apalachee High School in Winder, will be charged as an adult with murder, said Chris Hosey, director for the GBI.

Hosey said the suspect, Colt Gray, is in custody.

Nine other people were “taken to local hospitals with various injuries.”

The shooting came as students returned to school after summer vacations, and it led to a familiar pattern of statements from federal, state and local officials.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) said in a post on the social platform X he “directed all available state resources to respond to the incident,” adding that he was working with “local, state, and federal partners as we gather information and further respond to this situation.”

“[I] 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.

President Biden was briefed on the shooting by Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, the White House said in a statement, and “his administration will continue coordinating with federal, state, and local officials as we receive more information.”

Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.), whose district includes Apalachee High School, issued a statement offering prayers for victims and their families and saying he’s been in touch with local authorities to offer his assistance. 

“Leigh Ann and I are praying for the victims, their families, and all students at Apalachee High School in Barrow County,” he wrote on X. “We extend our gratitude to law enforcement for their swift action to secure the school and get the shooter in custody. I have spoken with Sheriff Smith and told him my team and I are available to assist in any way necessary. We will continue to monitor and provide updates as prudent.”

Attorney General Merrick Garland told reporters that he was “devastated for the families who have been affected by this terrible tragedy,” adding that the Justice Department “stands ready to provide any resources or support.”

The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office said fire and EMS personnel were dispatched to Apalachee High School in Barrow County shortly before 10:30 a.m. EDT “in reference to a reported active shooting,” according to The Associated Press.

FBI and GBI agents and local authorities were also on scene as the school remained on lockdown Wednesday afternoon.

Updated at 6:06 p.m. EDT