ATLANTA — At least one person is in custody after a shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County on Wednesday morning, according to authorities.
Several law enforcement agencies responded around 10:20 a.m. to the school, which was placed on lockdown following reports of an active shooting, the Barrow sheriff’s office said.
“Casualties have been reported, however details on the number or their conditions is not available at this time” the sheriff’s office added.
Barrow Coroner Kenneth Cooper said early Wednesday afternoon he could not confirm how many people had been struck. One gunshot victim was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, the hospital said Wednesday afternoon.
NewsChopper 2 footage showed large crowds of students filtering into the high school’s stadium during the lockdown. Several ambulances were at the scene as well. By late morning, students were being released to their families and school officials said buses would be running for those needing transportation home.
Apalachee High was the only school cleared for dismissal as of midday Wednesday. Other Barrow County schools will remain in a soft lockdown “for the safety of everyone right now,” the school district said.
According to the White House, President Joe Biden was briefed on the shooting and his administration would coordinate with federal, state and local authorities. Gov. Brian Kemp said he directed all available state resources to respond to the high school, which is about 8 miles east of Dacula, southwest of Winder.
“(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 added. “We will continue to work with local, state and federal partners as we gather information and further respond to this situation.”
FBI Atlanta said it was aware of the shooting and that agents were on scene to coordinate and assist local authorities. GBI agents were also providing help, and the state agency urged everyone to stay clear of the area.
Apalachee High had an enrollment of just over 1,900 students as of March, according to the Georgia Department of Education. The department said it was also monitoring the situation.
“I am devastated by the news of the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School today,” Richard Woods, state school superintendent, said in a statement. “My heart and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those affected and the entire Barrow County community. This is an unimaginable loss for Barrow and for our entire educational community across the state.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also issued a statement after the shooting.
”My prayers are with the high school students, staff and families affected by the senseless act of violence in Winder, Georgia,” he said. “I have been in contact with Chief (Darin) Schierbaum, and the Atlanta Police Department has been working with the Atlanta Public Schools Police Department to bolster patrols around our schools for the rest of the day out of an abundance of caution.
“APD has also been on standby in case law enforcement agencies need assistance with this incident. May God comfort the victims and their loved ones in the difficult days ahead.”
