Active Shooter Situation at Apalachee High School in Georgia
On Wednesday morning, an active shooter situation unfolded at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. According to Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith, multiple people were injured, but the exact number and their conditions were not immediately known. One suspect has been taken into custody.
Eyewitness Account and Response
Senior Sergio Caldera, 17, was in chemistry class when he heard gunshots. He described the terrifying moments when his teacher opened the door and another teacher urged her to close it due to an active shooter. Caldera and his classmates quickly took shelter at the back of the room, where they could hear screams from outside. At one point, someone pounded on their classroom door and demanded to be let in. After the knocking ceased, more gunshots and screams followed. Eventually, the class evacuated to the football field.
Safety Measures and Lockdown
Apalachee High School was cleared for dismissal, but all other Barrow County Schools remained on a “soft lockdown.” The Barrow County School District emphasized that visiting the schools during this time was not permitted, as student release would only be authorized once the lockdown was lifted. The safety of everyone involved is the top priority.
Response from Authorities and Government Officials
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting and his administration is working closely with federal, state, and local officials to gather more information. The FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation have dispatched agents to the scene. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has directed all available state resources to respond to the incident. He expressed his prayers for the safety of those affected in Barrow County and across the state.
Enhanced Security Measures
In light of the incident, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced that patrols around schools in Atlanta would be increased as a precautionary measure. The mayor extended his prayers and thoughts to the students, staff, and families impacted by this act of violence.
Mass Shootings in the United States
The unfortunate reality of mass shootings in the United States remains a pressing issue. According to data from ABC News, there have been 385 mass shootings in 2024 as of September 4. This incident marks Georgia’s 16th mass shooting this year. However, it is worth noting that this number is lower compared to the same period last year when there were 485 mass shootings. The Gun Violence Archive defines a mass shooting as an incident with four or more people injured or killed, excluding the perpetrator. In 2023, there were 656 mass shootings, followed by 646 in 2022, 689 in 2021, and 610 in 2020.
Ongoing Updates
As the situation at Apalachee High School continues to develop, it is important to stay informed and seek updates from reliable sources. ABC News will provide further information as it becomes available.
