A shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, resulted in four fatalities and left nine others injured on Wednesday. This incident, occurring just weeks into the new school year, has raised concerns about school safety across the United States.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the shooting marks the first of the academic year in the country, highlighting ongoing issues with gun violence in educational settings.
The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one suspect is in custody, reportedly a 14-year-old boy, though this information has not been officially confirmed. Sheriff Jud Smith described the event as “an evil thing,” but did not immediately confirm the number of fatalities, referring only to “multiple injuries” in his statement.
The shooting took place approximately 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Atlanta. Following the incident, students were released early, and the situation was reportedly under control. Images from local TV stations showed parents anxiously waiting outside the school to reunite with their children. Apalachee High School, which had an enrollment of nearly 1,900 students last year, began its new term on August 1.
The initial call to law enforcement about the shooting came around 9:30 a.m., shortly after classes began. CNN reported that the school might have received a warning call about the shooting before the incident, but the school district has not confirmed this.
Student Sergio Caldera, 17, recounted hearing gunshots during his chemistry class. According to Caldera, a teacher attempted to secure the classroom door after being warned of the active shooter. Students and teachers then evacuated to the school’s football field after further gunshots and screams were heard.
Local law enforcement, along with Fire and EMS personnel, responded to the scene. The FBI field office in Atlanta also sent agents to assist with the investigation.