A 14-year-old boy will face murder charges after a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, left four people dead and nine others injured. The victims include two students and two teachers, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The suspect, Colt Gray, a student at the school, was arrested by two officers on campus shortly after the attack. Authorities confirmed he will be tried as an adult. Gray had previously been interviewed by the FBI in 2023 following online threats about committing a school shooting, but no action was taken at that time.
Law enforcement received reports of the shooting around 10:20 a.m. local time at the school, which has a student population of 1,900. Local sheriff Jud Smith condemned the incident, describing it as “pure evil.” He explained that officers quickly responded to the scene, where Gray surrendered without resistance.
No motive has been identified, and authorities are still investigating the suspect’s actions. The FBI revealed that in May 2023, they interviewed Gray and his father after receiving tips about threats posted online, which included photos of guns. At the time, Gray denied making the threats, and no arrest was made due to a lack of probable cause.
Among the victims was 14-year-old Mason Schermerhorn, who was autistic. His family had posted online after losing contact with him, later confirming his death. Teacher and coach David Phenix was injured after being shot in the hip and underwent surgery. He is currently in stable condition.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments inside the school. One student, Marques Coleman, recounted seeing Gray holding a “big gun” before the shooting began. Another student, Lyela Sayarath, said the suspect knocked on their classroom door with the gun, but a fellow student refused to let him in. Gray then entered a neighboring classroom and started shooting.
The school was placed on lockdown, and students were evacuated to a nearby football stadium before being reunited with their families. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences and vowed to provide all necessary state resources to assist in the aftermath of the shooting.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with public figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump expressing their shock and calling for action. Federal agents are now assisting local authorities in their investigation.
