Four killed in Apalachee High School shooting
Sheriff credits new alert system for limiting shooting casualties
The shooting at Apalachee High School lasted roughly a minute, starting in a hallway and ending in a classroom, according to Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith. Colt Gray, a 14-year-old, allegedly shot 13 people during this brief period.
Four victims, including two teachers and two students, lost their lives. Sheriff Smith attributed the prevention of further casualties to the swift response by authorities and an emergency alert system installed just a week earlier. Each teacher at the school has an ID equipped with a button from safety technology company CENTEGIX to alert authorities of an “active situation.” Twenty-six teachers activated this alert, sending immediate notifications to law enforcement.
Before officers arrived, two school resource officers encountered the alleged shooter, who was armed with an assault-style rifle, about 70 yards away. Despite the challenging situation, the officers charged at the suspect, effectively stopping the violence. Sheriff Smith emphasised the bravery of the officers, noting that the situation could have been worse.
The four victims killed in the Apalachee High School shooting on Wednesday are being remembered by their family, friends and community as kind, compassionate and loving individuals. https://t.co/Fx7rwIj3t7 pic.twitter.com/CmxYqs404E
— Atlanta Journal-Constitution (@ajc) September 6, 2024
Lyela Sayarath, an 11th grader, recalled being in Algebra class with Gray just before the shooting. She described Gray as quiet and not very social. On the morning of the incident, Sayarath noticed nothing unusual in Gray’s behaviour until an administrator mistakenly took another student’s backpack, thinking it belonged to Gray.
Shortly after, Gray attempted to re-enter the classroom. A student almost let him in but then stepped back, and from her vantage point, Sayarath saw Gray through a window firing 10 to 15 shots. Students quickly scrambled to barricade the door and call their parents.
Gray’s mother, Marcee Gray, had called the school that morning to warn a counsellor of an “extreme emergency” involving her son, according to family members. Colt Gray faces four counts of felony murder for the deaths of two teachers and two students, with additional charges pending for the injured victims. Authorities plan to try him as an adult.
Colin Gray, Colt’s father, was arrested and charged with multiple counts, including involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children. He allegedly allowed Colt access to the weapon used in the shooting, which sources say was a Christmas gift from him.
Neither the suspect nor his father has entered a plea. Barrow County Schools have not released a statement, and the sheriff stated he was unaware of any warning calls from Gray’s mother to the school before the shooting.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Guardian reports that the mother of Colt Gray, who is accused of the Georgia school shooting, had warned the school about her son’s situation before the incident.(read more)
- CNN reports on the tragic school shooting at Apalachee High School, Georgia, where four people were killed and nine injured, including seven with gunshot wounds.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How long did the shooting at Apalachee High School last?
The shooting lasted about a minute.
How many people were shot during the Apalachee High School shooting?
Thirteen people were shot.
What alert system helped reduce casualties during the Apalachee High School shooting?
The CENTEGIX emergency alert system.
Who is Colt Gray and what charges is he facing?
Colt Gray is the 14-year-old shooter facing four counts of felony murder.
What charges is Colt Gray’s father facing?
Colin Gray is charged with involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder, and cruelty to children.
