We're only a few weeks into the new school year, and already there has been another school shooting in America. Gunfire was reported at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, on Wednesday morning, with heavy police presence outside and the school on lockdown. Multiple ambulances could be seen in front of the school, as well as a medic helicopter flying overhead.
At least four casualties have been reported, and up to 30 others might have been injured, per CNN. Currently, no additional information is available about the statuses of the injured, and identities have not been revealed. Georgia's governor, Brian Kemp, has directed all state aid to the school, which is 50 miles outside Atlanta. The police are reporting that a suspect has been taken into custody, but no additional details have been released thus far. The story is still developing.
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Here's what we know so far.
Atlanta News First reported that a "large number" of law enforcement officers went to Apalachee High School, which is in Barrow County, around 10:30 a.m. EST after receiving reports of an active shooter that caused the school to go into lockdown.
Reportedly, "dozens" of officers could be seen on the ground along with the ambulances and medical helicopter. At least one person was loaded into the helicopter and taken to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.
The governor of Georgia has sent resources to the school.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Kemp said he had "directed all available state resources to respond" to the shooting. He added that he's "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," he continued.
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Casualties have been reported, but no details have been given.
There have been reports of casualties, according to the Barrow County Sheriffâs Office.
"Casualties have been reported, however details on the number or their conditions is not available at this time," the statement, shared by CNN, noted. A local hospital is receiving patients with gunshot wounds, a source reported to the news outlet. At this point, we do know that some of the victims are children.
The students were sent home.
According to multiple reports, students were evacuated to the school's field areas and the school's stadium. Apalachee High School was "cleared for dismissal," according to a statement from the Barrow County School District shared by ABC News. Parents are allowed to pick their children up, and buses will be provided for those who need transportation.
Other schools in Barrow County are currently in "soft lockdown," according to the school district. "The Barrow County Sheriff's Office says this is for the safety of everyone right now. Please do not visit your child's school at this time. We cannot release students during a lockdown," the district shared in a statement.
At least one student has spoken out about the harrowing experience.
Sergio Caldera, a senior at the high school, spoke with ABC News about the shooting. Caldera was in chemistry class when he heard gunshots.
"My teacher goes and opens the door to see whatâs going on. Another teacher comes running in and tells her to close the door because thereâs an active shooter," he said. His teacher locked the door and the class ran to the back of the room. Caldera said they "huddled up" as they heard screams from outside.
Caldera also said that at some point, someone pounded on his classroom door, shouting "Open up!" multiple times. They heard more screams and gunshots after the pounding stopped.
Vice President Kamala Harris has been briefed on the shooting.
Harris has been briefed on the shooting at Apalachee High School and is set to address the public this afternoon, according to CNN.
âShe will receive regular updates from her staff as additional information becomes available. The Biden-Harris administration will continue coordinating with federal, state, and local officials,â a White House official said.
Harris' running mate in the 2024 presidential election, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, has also publicly acknowledged the shooting, calling it "tragic" and saying this type of incident is "all too common," CNN reported.
"Our hearts are out there,â Walz said to the victims of the shooting.
