BARROW COUNTY, Ga. — Many local and national government leaders have released statements and expressed their condolences following a deadly shooting at a Georgia high school on Wednesday, according to a CNN report.
Law enforcement confirmed Wednesday afternoon that the alleged shooter was 14-year-old Colt Gray, a student at the school. Gray is in custody and will be charged with murder as an adult, officials said.
Gov. Brian Kemp said in a post on X he has "directed all available state resources to respond to the incident at Apalachee High School and urge 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."
Statement from President Joe Biden on Shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia: Jill and I are mourning the deaths of those whose lives were cut short due to more senseless gun violence and thinking of all of the survivors whose lives are forever changed. What should have been a joyous back-to-school season in Winder, Georgia, has now turned into another horrific reminder of how gun violence continues to tear our communities apart. 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.
We are closely coordinating with officials at the federal, state and local level, and are grateful for the first responders who brought the suspect into custody and prevented further loss of life.
Ending this gun violence epidemic is personal to me. It’s why I signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – the most meaningful gun safety bill in decades – and have announced dozens of gun safety executive actions. I also established the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, overseen by Vice President Harris. We’ve made significant progress, but this crisis requires even more.
After decades of inaction, Republicans in Congress must finally say ‘enough is enough’ and work with Democrats to pass common-sense gun safety legislation. We must ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines once again, require safe storage of firearms, enact universal background checks, and end immunity for gun manufacturers. These measures will not bring those who were tragically killed today back, but it will help prevent more tragic gun violence from ripping more families apart."
Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris spoke on the tragedy during a rally: “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,” Harris said.
“We’ve got to stop it,” she said, adding that “it doesn’t have to be this way.”
Former President and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on the shooting: "Our hearts are with the victims and loved ones of those affected by the tragic event in Winder, GA," he said in post on Truth Social. "These cherished children were taken from us far too soon by a sick and deranged monster."
Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance responded, saying, "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."
Minnesota Governor and Democratic VP nominee Tim Walz condemned the shooting: Our hearts are with the families and community of Winder, Georgia, as our nation reels from yet another tragic school shooting," Walz stated. "Our actions need to be there too. We must do everything in our power to keep students and educators safe."
Mayor Andre Dickens issued the following statement: “My prayers are with the high school students, staff and families affected by the senseless act of violence in Winder, Georgia. I have been in contact with Chief Schierbaum, and the Atlanta Police 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. May God comfort the victims and their loved ones in the difficult days ahead.”
US Attorney General Merrick Garland spoke about the shooting prior to a press conference on election interference Wednesday:
"Before we begin, I want to address the tragic shooting that occurred this morning at a high school in Winder, Georgia," Garland said. "We are still gathering information but the FBI and A TF are on the scene working with state, local and federal partners. I'm devastated for the families who have been affected by this terrible tragedy. The justice department stands ready to provide any resources or support that the winder community needs in the days ahead."
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr reacted: "Barrow County and our state have been rocked by a senseless tragedy. We continue to monitor as details come forth, and as we do, our prayers are with all who have been impacted. We thank all in law enforcement for their quick response and decisive actions."
Statement from Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods: "I am devastated by the news of the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School today. My heart and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those affected and the entire Barrow County community. This is an unimaginable loss for Barrow and for our entire educational community across the state.
The Georgia Department of Education is actively monitoring the situation in Barrow County and will continue to respond as additional information is available. Our School Safety team is in contact with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and with Barrow County Schools, and our entire agency stands ready to assist in any way possible," the statement reads in part.
Gwinnett County Public Schools has also released a statement: "The safety and security of our students and staff is a top priority. We are committed to fostering a safe learning environment where all students can thrive.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic school shooting that took place in Barrow County today. While this incident did not directly involve our district, we understand it may cause concern and anxiety. Please know that we are taking this situation very seriously. In close partnership with local law enforcement, our School Resource Officers have increased patrols around our schools to ensure that our students and staff feel secure," the statement read in part.
Hall County School District, which is about a 30-minute drive from the school, also released a statement on Facebook: "All of us are concerned about the recent tragedy at Apalachee High School. Our prayers go out to the victims’ families, the school, and the community. Please rest assured that the HCSD and your child’s school have safety measures firmly in place. We have no reason to believe that any school in Hall County is in any danger; however, we are going to continue to monitor the situation at Apalachee, be extra vigilant, and provide enhanced visibility throughout the day. Student services team members stand ready to assist students and faculty as needed. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the principal of your school."
Rep. Lucy McBath, who lost her son to gun violence in 2012, released a statement:
Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff released a statement on the tragedy: “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.” the statement read.
Clarke County School District in Athens, which is about a 20-minute drive from Winder, released a statement:
Cobb County Schools, approximately 65 miles from Winder, also released a statement: "Our hearts go out to the students, families, and educators impacted by the tragedy that took place today in Barrow County. School campuses should be a place where teachers and students can teach and learn without fear for their safety. We are incredibly thankful for public safety staff, in and outside of Cobb, who run towards danger."
Atlanta Public Schools also sent condolences to those impacted: "Atlanta Public Schools sends our thoughts and prayers to those affected by the senseless act of violence at Apalachee High School in Barrow County. We stand in support and solidarity with Barrow County School System and all school districts as we wrap our arms around our students and staff."
Georgia State Rep. Barry Loudermilk said he was "shocked and saddened" by the incident:
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins offered condolences to those impacted before a press conference in Flowery Branch, which is only 38 minutes from Winder: "Praying for the families that are affected—the school, the community," Cousins said "It's a tough deal. I'm going to go home tonight and hug and kiss my kids."
