At least four people were killed and nine were injured in a school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, United States. The incident occurred around midnight Singapore time on Sep. 5, 2024, with law enforcement arriving at the high school at 10:23 am local time. The suspected shooter, 14-year-old Colt Gray, was apprehended and will be charged as an adult. The victims have been identified as students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14, and teachers Richard Aspenwall, 39, and Christina Irimie, 53. There was no known connection between Gray and the victims.
Background
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) responded to the shooting, with agents assisting local, state, and federal law enforcement in the investigation. Gray had previously made online threats in 2023, posting pictures of guns, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The shooting has once again highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in American schools.
A “senseless tragedy”: Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the shooting at a rally in New Hampshire, calling it a “senseless tragedy.” She expressed her condolences, stating, “Today, Doug and I are mourning the deaths of those whose lives were cut short by gun violence at Apalachee High School in Georgia. Our hearts are with the students, teachers, and families impacted by this shooting, and we are grateful to the first responders and law enforcement.” Harris emphasised the urgency of addressing gun violence, saying, “It’s just outrageous that every day in our country, in the United States of America, that parents have to send their children to school worried about whether or not their child will come home alive. We’ve got to stop it. It doesn’t have to be this way.”
“Cherished children” taken by “deranged monster”: Donald Trump
Former President Donald Trump also commented on the tragedy via his platform Truth Social. “These cherished children were taken from us far too soon by a sick and deranged monster,” he said. “Our hearts are with the victims and loved ones of those affected by the tragic event.” Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, echoed these sentiments on X, stating, “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this despicable violence just days into the new school year. We are keeping the victims, their families, and the whole community of Winder, Georgia in our prayers this evening.”
“Ending this gun violence epidemic is personal to me”: Joe Biden
President Joe Biden addressed the nation on X, stating, “Students across the country are learning how to duck and cover instead of how to read and write. We cannot continue to accept this as normal.” The White House released a statement calling for the banning of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. “Thoughts and prayers are not enough,” Biden said, urging Republicans to collaborate on passing gun safety legislation. “These measures won’t bring back those who we’ve lost, but it will help prevent gun violence from ripping more families apart.”
Immediate aftermath and ongoing investigation
The shooting has left the community of Winder, Georgia, in shock. Students and teachers are grappling with the trauma of the event, and local authorities have set up counselling services to support those affected. The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. The GBI has urged anyone with information to come forward as they continue to gather evidence and understand the motives behind this tragic incident.
