(The Center Square) — One person was “taken into custody” Wednesday following a shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, according to reports.
CNN reported that four people were killed and that nine people were transported to hospitals with injuries.
CNN also reported that the 14-year-old shooter, Colt Gray, was in custody. Chris Hosey, the director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, said at a news conference that he would be tried as an adult for murder.
In a post to X, formerly Twitter, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed it had responded to the school and that its agents were working with state and federal law enforcement officers to investigate.
The network also reported that Barrow County schools would be out all week.
In a post to X, Gov. Brian Kemp said he has “directed all available state resources to respond to the incident at Apalachee High School,” and he urged “all Georgians to join my family in praying for the safety of those in our classrooms, both in Barrow County and across the state.”
“We will continue to work with local, state, and federal partners as we gather information and further respond to this situation,” the governor added.
In a statement, State School Superintendent Richard Woods said he was “devastated by the news of the tragic shooting.”
“My heart and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those affected and the entire Barrow County community,” Woods said. “This is an unimaginable loss for Barrow and for our entire educational community across the state.”
Department of Education officials said the agency was actively monitoring the situation. Its school safety team was in contact with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and with Barrow County Schools to help as needed in any way possible.
In a statement, U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., said “Today’s horrific attack at Apalachee High School is a despicable act of violence unimaginable for any parent. I send my condolences to the families of the deceased, those injured in the attack, and all who witnessed such a tragic event.
“I thank all first responders and local law enforcement who responded to the scene and have taken the suspect into custody. I remain in communication with local leaders and continue to monitor the situation closely as the investigation continues.”
In Atlanta, Mayor Andre Dickens said he has been in contact with Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum and that the department “has been working with the Atlanta Public Schools Police Department to bolster patrols around our schools for the rest of the day out of an abundance of caution.”
“APD has also been on standby in case law enforcement agencies need assistance with this incident,” the mayor said in a statement.
By T.A. DeFeo | The Center Square contributor
