WINDER, Georgia — An “active shooter situation” at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, has resulted in four fatalities and left several others injured, prompting a lockdown across all schools in Barrow County on Wednesday morning.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed that nine people were transported to hospitals with injuries. The bureau also reported that the suspect is alive and in custody.
The Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith stated that the first reports of an active shooter came in around 9:30 a.m. “This is a very, very fluid investigation,” Smith said during a news conference, noting that more details would be provided at 4 p.m. “What you see behind us is an evil thing,” Smith added, speaking outside the school.
As a precautionary measure, all schools in Barrow County went into lockdown around 11:30 a.m. ET, according to the sheriff’s office. Although specific details about the situation were not initially provided, the office assured that more information would be released as deputies secured the scene.
According to the Athens Banner-Herald, part of the USA TODAY Network, Apalachee High School sent a message to parents at 10:45 a.m. local time, stating, “Apalachee High School is currently in a hard lockdown after reports of gunfire. Law enforcement is here. Please do not attempt to come to the school at this time while officers work to secure the area.”
Grady Hospital in Atlanta confirmed to USA TODAY that it “received one gunshot wound victim from Apalachee High School in Barrow County.”
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, and further updates are expected as the situation develops.