Tragic Shooting at Georgia High School: WINDER, GEORGIA — A devastating shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia, left nine victims injured—eight children and one teacher—after gunfire erupted on the school grounds. The suspect, 14-year-old student Colt Gray, was quickly apprehended and is now facing murder charges. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) confirmed that Gray will be tried as an adult.
Incident Overview
The shooting occurred during school hours, sending shockwaves through the small Georgia community. Emergency personnel responded rapidly, transporting the injured victims to local hospitals. Of the nine victims, three were treated for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, while others suffered anxiety and panic-related symptoms. Authorities are still investigating whether the victims were specifically targeted.
Eyewitness Accounts
Sergio Caldera, a 17-year-old senior, recounted the terrifying moments in his chemistry class when he heard gunshots. “My teacher went to check what was going on when another teacher rushed in and told her to lock the door,” Caldera said. The students huddled at the back of the classroom, listening to screams and more gunshots.
Another student, Kyson Stancion, described hearing police shouting orders as the situation unfolded. “I was scared because I’ve never been in a school shooting before,” he told ABC News. He, along with his classmates, later evacuated to the football field under police guidance.
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Parents’ Reactions
Jonathan Mills, a local police officer, expressed the emotional toll the incident took on parents. “It was an emotional roller coaster,” Mills said, after anxiously waiting for news about his son, Jayden, who was unharmed. Mills’ wife, who has three children attending schools in the district, reflected on how such a tragedy feels unimaginable until it hits close to home.
Community Response and School Closures
Barrow County Schools Superintendent announced that all schools in the district would remain closed for the rest of the week to allow time for the community to grieve and heal. Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith condemned the shooting as “pure evil,” echoing the shock and heartbreak felt throughout the area.
Hospital Reports
The Northeast Georgia Health System confirmed that three patients with non-life-threatening injuries were admitted to their hospitals. Five other individuals were treated for symptoms related to anxiety and panic attacks, underscoring the emotional toll the shooting had on students and staff.
The tragic shooting at Apalachee High School serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence in schools. The community now faces the long road of healing and recovery in the aftermath of this senseless act.