Apalachee High School is in Winder, about 45 miles outside of Atlanta.
On Wednesday morning, a tragic shooting incident at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, resulted in the deaths of four individuals, as reported by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. In addition to the fatalities, nine other individuals sustained injuries and were subsequently transported to local hospitals for medical attention, according to the GBI. The alleged perpetrator, a 14-year-old student enrolled at Apalachee High School, is currently alive and in custody, as confirmed by multiple law enforcement sources to ABC News. Senior student Sergio Caldera, aged 17, recounted his experience during the incident, stating that he was attending a chemistry class when he first heard the sound of gunfire. He described how his teacher opened the classroom door to assess the situation, only to be warned by another teacher to secure the door due to the presence of an active shooter. Following this alarming directive, Caldera noted that the teacher locked the door, prompting the students to retreat to the back of the classroom, where they huddled together while hearing screams emanating from outside.
At a certain moment, Caldera recounted an alarming incident where someone forcefully knocked on his classroom door, repeatedly demanding to be let in. Following the cessation of the knocking, he was startled to hear additional gunfire accompanied by the sounds of terrified screams echoing through the hallways. This distressing experience culminated in his class being instructed to evacuate to the football field for safety.
Kyson Stancion, who was also present in class during the harrowing event, described the chaos that ensued when he heard gunshots. He recalled the urgent commands from law enforcement, instructing individuals to take cover and return to their classrooms due to the ongoing shooting. Expressing his fear, he admitted that he had never encountered a school shooting before, and the atmosphere was filled with panic as many students were in tears. His teacher made commendable efforts to ensure the safety of all students amidst the turmoil. In response to the situation, Apalachee High School was officially cleared for dismissal, while all other schools in Barrow County were placed under a "soft lockdown" as a precautionary measure, as stated by the Barrow County School District. The Sheriff's Office emphasized the importance of safety, urging parents not to visit the schools during this critical time, as students could not be released while the lockdown was in effect. Winder, the location of the incident, is situated approximately 45 miles from Atlanta.
According to the White House, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris received a briefing regarding the recent shooting incident. In a heartfelt statement, President Biden expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives due to what he termed as senseless gun violence. He reflected on the profound impact such tragedies have on survivors, stating that students across the nation are now being taught to take cover rather than focusing on their education. He emphasized that this situation cannot be regarded as a normal occurrence in society.
The President underscored his administration's efforts to address gun violence, which include the enactment of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the establishment of the inaugural White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. However, he asserted that these actions are merely the beginning and that further measures are essential. Biden called upon Republican lawmakers to join forces with Democrats to enact sensible gun safety legislation, stressing the urgency of the situation. He advocated for a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, the implementation of universal background checks, and the necessity for safe firearm storage, all while highlighting that these initiatives are crucial for preventing future tragedies.
Vice President Harris, speaking at a campaign event in New Hampshire, extended her condolences to the affected students, teachers, and their families. She characterized the incident as yet another senseless tragedy in a long line of similar events, reinforcing the need to confront the ongoing epidemic of gun violence. Harris pointed out that this issue is one of many critical topics that will influence the upcoming election, underscoring the importance of addressing gun violence as a priority for the nation.
Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia expressed his profound sorrow, stating that he is "heartbroken" in light of recent tragic events. He articulated the universal fear that every parent harbors, emphasizing that this day is one that no family wishes to experience. In his statement, he noted that the painful circumstances would lead many Georgians to embrace their children more tightly this evening. The governor assured the public that efforts are underway to collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure that all necessary resources are made available to support the affected community during this exceptionally challenging time and in the days that follow.
In response to the situation, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced that law enforcement would increase patrols around schools on Wednesday as a precautionary measure. This decision reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of students and staff in the wake of the distressing incident. Mayor Dickens extended his thoughts and prayers to the high school students, faculty, and families impacted by what he described as a senseless act of violence. His statement underscores the collective grief and concern felt within the community, highlighting the importance of solidarity and vigilance in times of crisis.
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