Apalachee High School Shooting: Reactions to shooting from White House, state leaders etc.

BARROW COUNTY, Ga. - Statements are starting to pour in after a shooting on Wednesday morning at Apalachee High School in Barrow County. At this time, Barrow County Sheriff Judd Smith confirmed there are multiple victims, but has not given information on their conditions.

RELATED STORY: Apalachee High School: Multiple shooting victims at high school, one person arrested

Statement from President Joe Biden on Shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia

Jill and I are mourning the deaths of those whose lives were cut short due to more senseless gun violence and thinking of all of the survivors whose lives are forever changed. What should have been a joyous back-to-school season in Winder, Georgia, has now turned into another horrific reminder of how gun violence continues to tear our communities apart. Students across the country are learning how to duck and cover instead of how to read and write. We cannot continue to accept this as normal. 

We are closely coordinating with officials at the federal, state and local level, and are grateful for the first responders who brought the suspect into custody and prevented further loss of life.

Ending this gun violence epidemic is personal to me. It’s why I signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – the most meaningful gun safety bill in decades – and have announced dozens of gun safety executive actions. I also established the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, overseen by Vice President Harris. We’ve made significant progress, but this crisis requires even more.

After decades of inaction, Republicans in Congress must finally say ‘enough is enough’ and work with Democrats to pass common-sense gun safety legislation. We must ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines once again, require safe storage of firearms, enact universal background checks, and end immunity for gun manufacturers. These measures will not bring those who were tragically killed today back, but it will help prevent more tragic gun violence from ripping more families apart.

Additionally, Vice President Harris was also briefed on the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School. She will receive regular updates from her staff as additional information becomes available. The Biden-Harris administration will continue coordinating with federal, state, and local officials.

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke about the shooting at a rally in New Hampshire.

Former President Donald Trump shared the following on his social media platform:

"Our hearts are with the victims and loved ones of those affected by the tragic event in Winder, GA. These cherished children were taken from us far too soon by a sick and deranged monster" 

Gov. Brian Kemp issued a statement shortly after the news broke:

Mayor Andre Dickens has also issued a statement:

Statement from Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger:

Sen. Jon Ossoff issued the following statement:

"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." 

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is asking for everyone to pray for the students, staff and families at Apalachee High School:

Statement from Rep. Mike Collins:

Statement from State School Superintendent Richard Woods:

Statement from Georgia's Speaker of the House Jon Burns:

Statement from Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock:

Statement from Congresswoman Nikema Williams:

Statement from Rep. Buddy Carter:

Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, founder of the national gun violence prevention organization GIFFORDS, released the following statement after a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder:

"Students deserve to feel safe at school. They deserve to live without fear of gun violence. Sadly, that is not the case in the United States. Gun violence is the number one killer of children. Only one month into their school year, the community of Winder, GA has been struck by a preventable tragedy. My heart goes out to those senselessly killed and injured today, their families, and the entire Winder community that will feel the impact and trauma of this shooting for years to come." 

House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration (R-Auburn), Majority Caucus Vice Chairman Houston Gaines (R-Athens) and State Representative Holt Persinger (R-Winder) issued the following statements on the shooting that occurred today at Apalachee High School in Barrow County

"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," said Leader Efstration. 

"We are grateful to law enforcement for their courageous response to neutralize the shooter and secure the scene.""This morning, students, teachers and staff went to school expecting a day like any other — and instead were met with tragedy," said Vice Chairman Gaines. 

"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."

"I am deeply saddened by today’s senseless shooting at Apalachee High School," said Rep. Persinger. "It is my hope that all Georgians will lift up Barrow County in prayer tonight as our community grapples with this tragedy."

Lisa Morgan, president of the Georgia Association of Educators, sent the following statement: 

"We, the members of the Georgia Association of Educators, send our wishes for healing, peace and comfort for the students, educators, and community of Apalachee High School.

We enter our schools each day believing that they are the safest places in our community and once again, that trust has been shattered.
In the coming days, we are prepared to work together to rebuild that trust and ensure that the resources are available to meet the needs of students, families, and educators as they grieve and heal."

Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, sent the following statement:

"All students deserve safe and welcoming learning environments free from gun violence. Schools should be the safest places in any community. But just as the new school year gets underway, lives have been shattered by yet another tragic mass shooting – this time at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia.

"We grieve for the students, educators, and families in the Winder community. We cannot – and will not – normalize mass shootings. We remain committed to ending gun violence and to demanding our elected leaders enact gun safety measures that make it safe for everyone to walk to school, attend church, or shop at a grocery store without fear of violence. We owe that to our children."

Statement from Superintendent Ragsdale on the tragedy in Barrow County:

"As we are learning of the tragic shooting in Barrow County, our thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected by this senseless violence.I am so incredibly thankful for our school district police officers and all first responders who work to shield and protect our students and staff every single day."- Chris Ragsdale

Gwinnett County Public Schools sent this note out to families:

Dear GCPS Families and Staff

,The safety and security of our students and staff is a top priority. We are committed to fostering a safe learning environment where all students can thrive.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic school shooting that took place in Barrow County today. While this incident did not directly involve our district, we understand it may cause concern and anxiety. Please know that we are taking this situation very seriously. In close partnership with local law enforcement, our School Resource Officers have increased patrols around our schools to ensure that our students and staff feel secure.

Our district has a comprehensive safety plan, including regular lockdown drills, security enhancements, and close collaboration with law enforcement. We remain vigilant, monitoring our procedures, and we are ready to adapt to any new challenges that may arise. However, we cannot do this alone. We kindly ask for your support in speaking with your student(s) about the importance of reporting anything they see or hear that might be concerning or might pose a threat to our school community. Reports can be made anonymously through "GCPS Tips" via our mobile app, or online at P3Campus.com/5105. Apple users can download GCPS Tips from the "App Store," and Android users can find it on "Google Play." You can also send anonymous concerns by texting 738477.

We understand that incidents like this can be deeply unsettling for our students, families, and staff. Our counselors and other school staff are available to assist any student in need of support.

Our community is strong, and together, we will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone in our schools. Thank you for your continued trust in Gwinnett County Public Schools. We are here for you, and together, we will keep our community safe.In partnership and service.

Dr. Calvin J. Watts
Superintendent

One in Five Foundation For Kids released the following statement: 

Our foundation is heartbroken as we learned of this tragedy today. We are responding immediately to the current shooting at Apalachee High School with immediate deployment of our school community safety patrol teams out of Dallas, Texas and additional crisis support resources at this time. We stand with the school community denouncing another tragic act of violence on our campuses & seek at this time to add to the safety, support & well being at this time of students on campus & the School Community.

Foundation officials are currently reaching out to administration to determine additional ways in which we might be of service during this trying time."

Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Kirk Cousins reacted to the news of the shooting at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

The shooting happened not too far away from Flowery Branch, where the Falcons have been practicing for weeks.

Cousins said that Falcons Coach Raheem Morris broke the news to the team and said it was "pretty sobering."

"Our prayers - we're praying for the families that are affected, the school, and the community. You know, it's a tough deal," Cousins said. "I'm going to go home tonight and hug and kiss my kids."