A suspect has been arrested after a tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, which left at least four people dead and approximately 30 others injured, according to law enforcement sources.
The incident, which happened on Wednesday, has sent shockwaves through the small community and prompted a massive response from local and state authorities.
The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office reported that a suspect, believed to be of student age, is currently in custody. However, it remains unclear whether the individual is a student at Apalachee High School. Law enforcement officials have not yet confirmed the number of injuries resulting directly from gunshot wounds, noting that the situation remained fluid.
In response to the shooting, all schools within the Barrow County School System were placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure, though no further incidents have been reported.
Sheriff Jud Smith, during a brief press conference at the scene, emphasised the need for patience from the public, stating, “There are multiple injuries,” but declining to provide a specific number of casualties at this time. Smith assured that a more detailed update would be provided around 4 p.m. ET.
The initial call reporting an active shooter was received at approximately 9:30 a.m., prompting an immediate and robust response from local law enforcement. Video footage from outside the school showed a significant presence of ambulances and police vehicles, as well as at least one medical helicopter airlifting a patient. Additional helicopters remain on standby, and several critically injured individuals were transported by air to medical facilities.
Grady Health System, a Level 1 trauma center in Atlanta, confirmed receiving one victim with a gunshot wound transported by helicopter from the scene. The hospital is prepared to treat further casualties if needed, a spokesperson told CNN.
The FBI has dispatched special agents to assist local authorities in the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, Apalachee High School, part of the Barrow County School System, has cleared students to leave, and parents have been notified to pick them up. The district is providing transportation for students who require it.
In a statement on social media, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his concern and commitment to the affected community, directing all available state resources to assist at the scene. “I 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,” Kemp stated.
The town of Winder, home to around 18,338 residents according to the 2020 census, is grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event. The Barrow County School System is the 24th largest in Georgia, serving approximately 15,340 students, with 1,932 enrolled at Apalachee High School.
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