Apalachee High School shooting victims identified | full press conference
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp joined members of the GBI and Barrow County Sheriff's Office for a second briefing on the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School. During the news conference, authorities identified the four victims who were killed: two 14-year-olds, and two teachers.
BARROW COUNTY, Ga. - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has identified the four people who were killed during a shooting at Apalache High School on Wednesday morning.
In a press briefing Wednesday night, the GBI identified the victims as Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie, both math teachers, and students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14-years-old.
During an earlier news press conference, law enforcement identified the shooting suspect as 14-year-old Colt Gray, a student at the high school.
According to the GBI, the Barrow County Sheriff's Office began receiving calls at around 10:20 a.m. Officers responded to the high school within minutes and almost immediately encountered the suspected shooter, who dropped his weapon and surrendered immediately.
"Obviously the shooter was armed, and our school resource officer engaged him and the shooter quickly realized that if he did not give up, that it would end with an OIS — an officer-involved shooting," Smith said.
According to Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith, the shooter has already been interviewed. Smith said that he is not aware of any connection between the student and the victims, but they are looking into all aspects surrounding the incident.
The GBI says that their priority is to gather all the facts and make sure they are accurate. The GBI says there is much work to be done, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Another press conference will be held in a couple of hours, according to officials.
The GBI also extended its sympathy to the families and community that are impacted.
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The school will be closed for the remainder of the week.
The school was cleared by 11:30 a.m., and students were released to their families. Winder-Barrow High School was also briefly placed on lockdown as a precaution, though no threat was found.
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All those transported to Northeast Georgia Health System's hospitals in Barrow and Braselton have been treated and released, official said.
Update on Apalachee High School shooting
FOX 5's Brittany Edney is at Apalachee High School where parents are working to pick up their children. Authorities say one person is in custody, and they confirm multiple injuries.
The White House confirmed President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting by Homeland Security Advisor, Liz Sherwood-Randall. They say his administration is coordinating with federal, state, and local officials.
RELATED: Reactions to shooting from White House, politicians etc.
The White House also confirmed that prior to departing Joint Base Andrews, Vice President Harris was briefed on the tragic shooting. The Harris campaign says the vice president is expected to address the shooting at the top of her remarks at the brewery stop in New Hampshire.
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Gov. Brian Kemp issued a statement on X:
According to U.S. News & World Report, there are approximately 1,900 students enrolled at the school. It is one of two high schools in the Barrow County Public Schools district. The school is located about 40 miles northeast of Atlanta.
RELATED: Apalachee High School Shooting: Students recount harrowing moments
Parent of Apalachee High School student speaks to FOX 5.
Continuing coverage of the shooting Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia.
Students released to parents following Apalachee High School shooting
Students were being released to their parents at Apalachee High School following a shooting. We know one person is in custody and at least one person was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital.
Gunshot victim from Apalachee High taken to hospital
Grady Memorial Hospital confirmed at 12:20 p.m. they had received one gunshot victim from the school.
One confirmed victim from Barrow County school shooting
Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta has confirmed they received one gunshot victim from Barrow County. A shooting took place Wednesday morning at Apalachee High School. Multiple law enforcement agencies are on the scene.
This story is breaking. Check back for updates. Please be aware that information may change as new information is received. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com.
