Georgia’s elected and appointed officials are responding to today’s school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder where two students and two teachers were shot.
You can read the latest on the shooting here.
Here is what your elected officials had to say.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp: “Marty, the girls, and I are heartbroken by today’s tragedy at Apalachee High School. This is a day every parent dreads, and Georgians everywhere will hug their children tighter this evening because of this painful event.” We continue to work closely with local, state, and federal partners to make any and all resources available to help this community on this incredibly difficult day and the days to come.”
Georgia House Speaker John Burns: “Our state’s heart breaks today – including mine.
“As a father and a grandfather, I am devastated by the horrific tragedy that took place today at Apalachee High School. We continue to mourn the senseless loss of life, and pray for those who were injured as we lift up their families and the entire Barrow County community during this time.
“We have prioritized making significant investments in mental health and school safety funding – and while there will be a time and place for policy discussions, our sole focus right now remains on surrounding these students, teachers and families with our love and support.
“We will continue to lift up the entire Barrow County community during this difficult time, and stand ready to assist the Governor in bringing every possible resource, assistance and justice to these families following this unthinkable tragedy.”
Senator Raphael Warnock: “At least 4 dead, 30 injured. Only weeks into the new school year. My heart breaks for the families of the victims at Apalachee High School & for every student. The entire Winder community is in my prayers, but we can’t pray only with our lips—we must pray by taking action.
“Until we center the people and start a serious, bipartisan conversation in Washington & state capitols across the country to advance popular, commonsense gun safety reforms, the sad truth is it’s only a matter of time before this kind of tragedy comes knocking on your door.
“Mass shootings as routine aren’t the cost of freedom, they’re the cost of blind obstinance. We don’t have to live this way. If we refuse to act while our children are dying, and in a moment when no one is safe from rampant gun violence, then shame on us.”
Senator Jon Ossoff: “Today’s horrific attack at Apalachee High School is a despicable act of violence unimaginable for any parent.
“I send my condolences to the families of the deceased, those injured in the attack, and all who witnessed such a tragic event.
“I thank all first responders and local law enforcement who responded to the scene and have taken the suspect into custody.
“I remain in communication with local leaders and continue to monitor the situation closely as the investigation continues.”
Georgia House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration: “Ashley and I mourn today’s tragic loss of life in our community and are in prayer for the victims and their families, as well as for the students, faculty and staff at Apalachee High School who were impacted by the shooting. We are grateful to law enforcement for their courageous response to neutralize the shooter and secure the scene.”
Georgia House Representative Houston Gaines: “This morning, students, teachers and staff went to school expecting a day like any other — and instead were met with tragedy. I join all Georgians in praying for the victims of today’s senseless violence, their loved ones and the Apalachee High School and Barrow County community. What happened today should never occur anywhere in our society, much less in our schools. Thank you to our law enforcement officers and first responders who immediately jumped into action. May God Bless Apalachee High School and Barrow County.”
Georgia House Representative Holt Persinger: “I am deeply saddened by today’s senseless shooting at Apalachee High School. It is my hope that all Georgians will lift up Barrow County in prayer tonight as our community grapples with this tragedy.”
Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods: “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.”
Georgia State Senator Bill Cowsert: “Today is tragic for our community and the state of Georgia. The senseless act of violence at Apalachee High School has left us grieving for the innocent lives affected and the families shattered by this unimaginable tragedy.”
Georgia State Senator Emmanuel Jones: “I am committed to finding solutions to stop these tragedies before they occur. This is not infringing on Second Amendment rights but protecting our children and our safety.”
Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene: “Let us join together in prayer for the victims of the school shooting at Apalachee High School and their families just as these students of AHS circled together in prayer today.”
