Apalachee High School shooting: Georgia police confirm four dead and suspect in custody

Four people are dead, and one suspect is in custody following a shooting at Apalachee High School, which is roughly 50 miles from Atlanta, Georgia .

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed Wednesday afternoon that four people are dead and nine others were injured and taken to hospitals. The agency also confirmed that the suspect was in custody and alive, despite some reports suggesting the suspect had been killed.

Update: Four dead. An additional nine taken to various hospitals with injuries. Suspect in custody and alive. Reports that the suspect has been ‘neutralized’ are inaccurate.

The Barrow County Sheriff's Office said in a statement earlier in the day they dispatched multiple law enforcement agencies to the school at 10:23 a.m. in response to a reported active shooting. Police and emergency medical services are still at the scene.

At a press briefing early Wednesday afternoon, law enforcement officials would not confirm any further details other than that multiple agencies are working to investigate the shooting and that the situation remains "fluid."

"I appreciate you being patient with us. Again, it's very active and is ever-developing. Every minute is developing on what we're finding," Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said, while also emphasizing that it will take "multiple days" to get a full understanding of the shooting.

When asked directly about multiple reports of deaths as a result of the shooting, Smith declined to answer other than to say that there were "multiple injuries." Law enforcement officials have said there will be another briefing with more information at roughly 4 p.m. Prior to the late afternoon briefing, the GBI confirmed the reports of multiple deaths.

Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) has directed "all available state resources" to Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia, after an "incident" there.

We will continue to work with local, state, and federal partners as we gather information and further respond to this situation. (2/2)

"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."

Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA), who represents the district where the school is located, said he spoke to Smith about any ways to assist the response and that he is praying for the students.

Leigh Ann and I are praying for the victims, their families, and all students at Apalachee High School in Barrow County.

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…

"Leigh Ann and I are praying for the victims, their families, and all students at Apalachee High School in Barrow County," Collins said 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."

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said schools in the city would have bolstered patrols for the rest of the day and that the Atlanta Police Department is on standby if officials in Winder need assistance responding to the shooting.

“My prayers are with the high school students, staff, and families affected by the senseless act of violence in Winder, Georgia," Dickens said in a statement Wednesday. "I have been in contact with Chief Schierbaum, and the Atlanta Police Department has been working with the Atlanta Public Schools Police Department to bolster patrols around our schools for the rest of the day out of an abundance of caution.

"APD has also been on standby in case law enforcement agencies need assistance with this incident," he added. "May God comfort the victims and their loved ones in the difficult days ahead."

FBI Atlanta division agents are "on scene coordinating with and supporting local law enforcement," officials said. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is also responding to the shooting.

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White House officials said President Joe Biden has been briefed on the "tragic shooting" in Georgia and that they will coordinate with federal, state, and local officials.

In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Biden said he and the first lady were "mourning the deaths of those whose lives were cut short" and pushed for increased gun-control laws.

This is a developing story and will be updated.