Apalachee High School shooting accounts for over 50% of 2024 school shooting injuries
Students and staff gather next to the football field after law enforcement officers responded to a fatal shooting at Apalachee High School in a still image from aerial video in Winder, Georgia, U.S. September 4, 2024. (Reuters Photo)
Authorities have taken a suspect into custody after a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, on Wednesday. The incident, which led to the evacuation of students and a heavy police presence, has resulted in four deaths and 30 injuries, making it the school shooting with the highest number of injuries in 2024.
Initial reports from local sources indicate that at least four people were killed and around 30 others were injured in the shooting. However, other outlets have reported fewer fatalities. The exact number of gunshot wounds among the injured is still unclear.
This incident marks the 23rd school shooting involving injuries or deaths in the U.S. this year. The total includes 11 people killed, at least 3 of whom were students or other children, and 4 were school employees or other adults. Additionally, 59 individuals were injured across these incidents.
The Apalachee High School shooting has the highest number of injuries among school shootings in the U.S. in 2024, accounting for more than 50% of all injuries from such incidents this year, according to Education Week data.
Police received a call about an active shooter at the school at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time. Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith, speaking outside the school, confirmed the presence of multiple injuries but did not specify the number of deaths. He indicated that the situation remains “fluid” and asked for patience as the investigation continues.
A medical helicopter was seen airlifting at least one critically injured patient to a nearby hospital. The Grady Health System, a Level 1 trauma center located in Atlanta, has received one victim from the incident.
The Barrow County School System has placed all schools in the district on lockdown as a precaution. There are no reports of additional incidents at other district schools. The district has also informed parents that students are being cleared to leave the school, and transportation will be provided if needed.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has deployed agents to assist with the investigation. The GBI has urged those in the area to stay clear while authorities work.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has directed state resources to support the response efforts and has called on Georgians to pray for those affected by the incident. The White House has confirmed that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation.
Local television footage from the scene showed ambulances and law enforcement vehicles surrounding the school. A crowd of people gathered on the football field, some appearing to pray.
