AUGUSTA — A student was shot at TW Josey High School on Wednesday, intensifying fears and concerns about the surge in youth violence plaguing Richmond County.
According to a message sent out to parents by Richmond County School, the injured student is currently in stable condition. In the wake of the shooting, the school was put on lockdown. Richmond County Police were on the scene promptly, and they’ve since reported that the shooter isn’t near the school.
According to police, the shooting occurred after a fight between two students in the school cafeteria.
Murphey Middle School also took immediate safety precautions following the incident.
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The emotional toll of these violent events isn’t lost on the community. Augusta Mayor Garnett L. Johnson expressed his deep-seated concern, stating, “Last Thursday, I paid a visit to a grieving family preparing for the funeral of their 15-year-old son. Now, less than one week later, there has been a shooting at one of our schools.”
Johnson called for community cohesion and action. “We need to create safe havens for our children,” he said, highlighting the urgency to expand after-school and summer programs. He further made a plea for community volunteers to step up, assisting in various ways, from tutoring to providing transportation.
In light of the traumatic events, Richmond County Schools announced the closure of Josey High School, Murphey Middle School, and Marion E. Barnes Career Center on Thursday. Teachers are expected back on Friday, while students will take a longer break, resuming classes on Monday, August 21.
The school district also promised support for those affected, ensuring counselors would be on hand for students and staff.
A decision regarding sports and other extracurricular activities will be announced on Thursday.
👮♂️ Gun Crimes in Our Communities: Here are statistics from The Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit meticulously tracking gun incidents.
2023 Statistics:
- Total gun-related incidents: 39,135
- Gun-related deaths (excluding suicides): 18,874
- Gun-related injuries: 36,357
- Mass shootings: 656
2022 Statistics:
- Total gun-related incidents: 42,064
- Gun-related deaths (excluding suicides): 20,200
- Gun-related injuries: 38,500
- Mass shootings: 647
While firearm deaths and injuries saw a slight decline compared to previous years, mass shootings continued to rise, with 2023 surpassing 650 incidents. This underscores the continued severity of gun violence in the U.S.
To Be Clear: These aren’t just digits on a page. Each statistic represents a life affected, a community shaken.
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