At least four people are dead Wednesday after a shooting at a high school in north central Georgia put the building on lockdown, authorities said.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed that four people died at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia — approximately 40 miles northeast of Atlanta – and nine others were taken to various hospitals with injuries. The suspect is alive and in custody.
“At approximately 10:23 a.m. officers from multiple law enforcement agencies and Fire/EMS personnel were dispatched to the high school in reference to a reported active shooting,” the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Barrow County Sheriff Judd Smith addressed reporters Wednesday afternoon, providing limited details. Smith said he first received a call of an active shooter at 9:30 a.m. He confirmed that there were “multiple injuries,” but would not confirm nor deny whether there were any deaths.
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The sheriff said law enforcement officials were conducting a “very, very fluid investigation” and asked for patience from the media to let them gather the facts. He predicted that it will take “multiple days” to figure out what happened and how.
Smith did confirm that a suspect is in custody, and said they were “in the process” of reuniting students with their parents.
He did not take any questions, but said he hoped to provide more information later in the afternoon.
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Footage from the scene showed first responders rendering aid to individuals outside the school, as well as dozens of police officers surrounding the perimeter. The FBI has also acknowledged they are aware of the unfolding situation.
“I have 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,” said Gov. Brian Kemp.
“We will continue to work with local, state, and federal partners as we gather information and further respond to this situation,” the governor added.
Attorney General Merrick Garland confirmed during a separate press conference Wednesday afternoon that the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was on the scene gathering information about the incident.
“I’m devastated for the families that have been affected by this terrible tragedy,” Garland said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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