Photo Credit: CNN

A tragic mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, has left two students and two teachers dead, marking the deadliest school shooting in the U.S. this year. The incident unfolded on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through the community and raising concerns about the growing number of school shootings across the country.

The suspect, Colt Gray, a 14-year-old student at the school, was arrested shortly after the shooting. Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Director Chris Hosey confirmed that Gray will face murder charges as an adult and is expected to make his first court appearance in the coming days.

The four victims were identified as students Mason Schermerhorn, 14, and Christian Angulo, 14, along with teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Christina Irimie, 53. Both teachers were math instructors, and Aspinwall also served as an assistant football coach at the school. In addition to the fatalities, nine others, including eight students and one teacher, were injured in the shooting, though authorities have confirmed that all of the wounded are expected to recover.

Law enforcement received the first report of an active shooter at 10:20 a.m. and quickly responded to the scene. A school resource officer confronted the shooter, leading to Gray’s immediate arrest. Authorities have since revealed that the weapon used in the attack was an AR-15-style rifle. Investigators are still piecing together how Gray obtained the firearm and managed to bring it into the school undetected.

The shooting sent Apalachee High and all schools in the Barrow County School System into lockdown, as parents scrambled for information about their children’s safety. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp released a statement offering his condolences to the families of the victims and praising the quick actions of first responders. President Joe Biden also expressed his sorrow and called on Congress to take action by passing an assault weapons ban, reiterating the need for stronger gun control measures.

As the investigation continues, local authorities and federal agencies, including the FBI, are working to determine the motives behind the shooting. Schools in Barrow County will remain closed for the remainder of the week as law enforcement continues its work.