Apalachee High School, located 58 miles northeast of Atlanta, initiated a lockdown protocol on Wednesday morning following reports of a shooting. The school, which lies in Barrow County, executed a “hard lockdown,” per reports from Fox affiliate WNYW.
UPDATE: 4:05 EST
Former President Donald J. Trump issued a statement in response to the shooting, posting the message on Truth Social.
“Our hearts are with the victims and loved ones of those affected by the tragic event in Winder, GA,” Trump wrote. He added: “These cherished children were taken from us far too soon by a sick and deranged monster.”
UPDATE: 2:15 EST
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that there are four fatalities. It is not known at this time whether they are students or faculty members. Additionally, nine others have been taken to local hospitals with injuries. The suspect is in custody and alive.
UPDATE: 12:15 EST
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says he has “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.”
Barrow County Sheriff’s Office reports a currently indeterminate number of casualties and one suspect in custody.
Original article continues below.
Concerned parents took to social media to voice their anxiety regarding an active shooter situation at the educational institution. Live footage from the scene broadcasted by local outlets showed a helicopter landing on the school grounds and later departing. Additionally, multiple agencies’ law enforcement vehicles arrived and positioned themselves on the school lawn.
BREAKING: There are multiple injuries at the Apalachee High School shooting. 1 person has been airlifted. pic.twitter.com/AWOLjQhUGa
— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) September 4, 2024
Emergency response services, including numerous ambulances and firetrucks, were also present at the site. Video captured students congregating in the football stadium bleachers, where they were seen reuniting with their parents. Meanwhile, heavily armed police teams were stationed outside, with some officers beginning to move towards the school building.
Shooting at my daughters school, Apalachee HS. She stayed home this morning bc of dual enrollment. 😭 This has been a huge fear of mine for years. Reports from inside school are saying 4 shot but not confirmed yet. I’ll post any updates I get from inside the school.
— Ash Walsh (@AshRuns100s) September 4, 2024
This story is developing.