Gunman Believed to Be a 14-Year-Old in Georgia School Shooting That Left at Least 4 Dead, Source Says

The gunman who opened fire Wednesday morning at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, is believed to be a 14-year-old boy, according to a law enforcement source speaking with CNN. It is not yet known if the suspect was a student at the school.

The suspect is in custody, as confirmed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Four people were killed in the shooting, and nine others were transported to hospitals with injuries. Earlier reports suggested that approximately 30 people were injured, though it remains unclear how many of these were due to gunshot wounds. This information is still preliminary and subject to change.

Video footage from the scene showed at least five ambulances, a large law enforcement presence, and a medical helicopter airlifting a patient. People were seen gathering on a football field near the school, with some appearing to pray.

All schools in the Barrow County School System, including Apalachee High School, were placed on lockdown. Police were also dispatched to all district high schools as a precaution, though no secondary incidents have been reported.

Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith confirmed that authorities were alerted to the active shooter around 9:30 a.m. He did not provide specific casualty numbers but confirmed multiple injuries and one suspect in custody. Smith stated that the investigation is ongoing and urged patience, promising another update around 4 p.m. ET.

Grady Health System in Atlanta, a Level 1 trauma center, received one gunshot wound victim transported by helicopter. Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital in North Georgia received two victims, with one adult in surgery for a gunshot wound to the stomach and another minor with unspecified injuries.

The Barrow County School System informed CNN that students have been cleared to leave Apalachee High School, and parents have been notified to pick them up. The district stated that transportation will be provided for students who need it.

Law enforcement and first responders are at the scene following a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has directed all available state resources to assist and urged Georgians to pray for the safety of those in schools across the state.

President Joe Biden has been briefed on the incident, with the White House offering federal support to state and local officials. The administration will continue to coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies as more information becomes available.

Attorney General Merrick Garland also expressed his support, stating that the Department of Justice is prepared to assist the community. The FBI and ATF are on the scene, working with state and local partners. Garland expressed his devastation over the tragedy and assured that the Justice Department is ready to provide necessary resources and support.

Winder, with a population of approximately 18,338 as of the 2020 census, is served by the Barrow County School System, which is the 24th largest school district in Georgia. The district serves about 15,340 students, including 1,932 at Apalachee High School.