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LIVE UPDATES: 4 killed, 9 shot at Apalachee High School; 14-year-old shooter identified
By WSBTV.com News Staff,
6 hours ago
Channel 2 Action News has confirmed that at least four people are dead and nine were rushed to the hospital after a shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County Wednesday morning.
The GBI said two students and two teachers were among the dead.
A mother confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that her son, who was a student at the school, was one of the victims killed.
The shooter has been identified as 14-year-old Colt Gray, who has been charged with murder and will be handled as an adult, according to the GBI.
According to the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office, nine other people were injured by gunshot wounds. At least five others were treated for symptoms of anxiety/panic attacks.
The incident unfolded around 10:20 a.m. when officers from multiple agencies and Fire/EMS personnel were dispatched to the high school after reports of an active shooter. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, school resource officers quickly responded to the situation and the shooter surrendered to them.
NewsChopper 2 was over the scene, where there were dozens of law enforcement and emergency vehicles surrounding the school. At least one air ambulance took a patient from the scene. Georgia State Patrol troopers as well as deputies from Barrow and Winder counties were responding.
Agents from the FBI and the GBI are also assisting in the investigation.
The shooter is in custody and alive.
LIVE UPDATES:
5:34 p.m.
A mother has confirmed that her son, who was a student at the high school, was among the victims killed in the shooting. Family members had circulated his picture on social media when the couldn’t locate him. His mother told Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln that her son was among the dead.
4:40 p.m.
Apalachee High School will be closed for the rest of the week, but counseling will be available to the community.
4:33 p.m.
The GBI said two students and two teachers are among the dead.
All nine people who were injured were shot “in some capacity” according to the sheriff.
The suspect has been identified as 14-year-old Colt Gray who will be charged with murder and will be handled as an adult.
4:19 p.m.
Former President Donald Trump issued a statement on Truth Social, writing:
“Our hearts are with the victims and loved ones of those affected by the tragic event in Winder, Ga. Those cherished children were taken from us far too soon by a sick and deranged monster.”
4:16 p.m.
Northeast Georgia Health System said they treated two gunshot victims with non-life-threatening injuries at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Barrow. Four additional patients were taken to that hospital with anxiety/panic attacks.
Another gunshot wound victim was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical center in Gainesville with non-life-threatening injuries. One patient was treated at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Braselton with symptoms of anxiety/panic attack.
3:54 p.m.
A woman says her father, a teacher and coach at the school, was one of the victims who was shot and wounded at Apalachee High Schoo l. Katie Phenix said David Phenix, who is a curriculum specialist, was shot in the foot and hip and rushed into surgery. He is currently stable and recovering.
3:38 p.m.
A 14-year-old student has been identified as the shooter, according to ABC News.
3:25 p.m.
Gov. Brian Kemp has issued a statement, reading:
“Marty, the girls, and I are heartbroken by today’s tragedy at Apalachee High School. 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.”
2:37 p.m.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, reports of additional shootings at nearby schools are false.
2:26 p.m.
President Joe Biden has released a statement, writing, in part:
“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. 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. Students across the country are learning how to duck and cover instead of how to read and write. We cannot continue to accept this as normal.”
2:18 p.m.
The GBI said nine people were taken to hospitals with injuries.
1:53 p.m.
Channel 2′s Courtney Francisco spoke to a student, who said at least one of her classmates was killed and several more were injured. She said the shooting happened on E Hall.
1:46 p.m.
At least four people are dead, sources confirmed to Channel 2 Action News. The Barrow County Coroner said none of the victims have been identified yet.
1:20 p.m.
The shooter has been “neutralized” according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Authorities initially said the shooter had been taken into custody.
1:17 p.m.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said they plan to provide another statement to the public at 4 p.m.
1:13 p.m.
Deputies say they are in the process of reuniting students with their parents.
“This is going to take multiple days to get answers as to what happened and why this happened,” deputies said. “We ask that you please be patient with us.”
1:09 p.m.
One gunshot victim has been taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Barrow and another victim is en route to Northeast Medical Center in Gainesville.
12:59 p.m.
Channel 2′s Matt Johnson spoke to one mother, who said her son’s coach locked the door and barricaded the students inside as shots rang out.
12:46 p.m.
Mayor Andre Dickens issued the following statement.
“My prayers are with the high school students, staff and families affected by the senseless act of violence in Winder, Georgia. 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. May God comfort the victims and their loved ones in the difficult days ahead.”
12:36 p.m.
Channel 2′s Courtney Francisco spoke to a woman who said her grandson is a 10th-grader at the school. She said that he is OK and with his mother.
“You know they have the kids still at the field. You know it’s just humbling. Never thought this would happen in this small county,” she said.
12:34 p.m.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation, according to the White House:
“President Biden has been briefed by his Homeland Security Advisor, Liz Sherwood-Randall, on the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia and his administration will continue coordinating with federal, state, and local officials as we receive more information.”
12:29 p.m.
At least one victim with a gunshot wound has been taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. That person’s identity and condition has not been released.
12:21 p.m.
Emergency workers wheeled someone away from the stadium on a stretcher. It’s unclear if that person was injured in the shooting.
12:15 p.m.
Channel 2′s Audrey Washington is at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, where she saw patients being rushed into the emergency room.
12:11 p.m.
A second medical helicopter has responded to the school.
12:10 p.m.
The GBI is also responding to the scene and urging people to avoid the area while authorities investigate.
12:08 p.m.
A suspect has been taken into custody.
12:06 p.m.
The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office confirms there have been casualties at the high school, but didn’t reveal how many victims there are or their conditions.
12:01 pm.
Gov. Brian Kemp issued a statement, writing:
“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. We will continue to work with local, state, and federal partners as we gather information and further respond to this situation.”
12:00 p.m.
The FBI office in Gainesville is assisting with the investigation, they said in a statement:
“FBI Atlanta is aware of the current situation at Apalachee High School in Barrow County. Our agents are on scene coordinating with and supporting local law enforcement.”
11:50 a.m.
At least one person was being loaded into a medical helicopter that had landed on the field. That person was flown to a local hospital. His or her condition is unclear.
There were at least six ambulances at the scene. Emergency crews loaded at least one more person onto an ambulance.
11:40 a.m
Students appear to be gathering in the stadium. School officials said students have been cleared to be released to their families.
At one point, students gathered in what appeared to be a prayer circle on the football field. Another prayer circle gathered in the end zone.
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