Apalachee High School Shooting: One Suspect in Custody as Winder Community Reacts

BARROW COUNTY, Ga. – A shooting incident at Apalachee High School in Winder, GA, has left the community in shock and prompted a swift response from law enforcement and emergency services. The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one suspect is in custody following reports of an active shooter situation that unfolded Wednesday morning.
The incident began around 10:30 a.m., leading to a hard lockdown of the school as authorities responded to the unfolding crisis. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Georgia State Patrol and the FBI, were dispatched to the scene to assist local authorities. The FBI Atlanta office confirmed their agents were on-site, coordinating efforts with local law enforcement.
As the situation developed, WSBTv began receiving numerous reports about a possible school shooting before it was officially confirmed. SkyFOX captured aerial footage showing emergency responders treating individuals at the school. At least two people were seen being airlifted by medical helicopters, highlighting the severity of the situation. as you can see below live coverage

Grady Memorial Hospital confirmed that they received at least one gunshot victim from the school around 12:20 p.m. However, details regarding the number of casualties or their conditions remain unclear. A source at the hospital indicated that additional patients with gunshot wounds were being admitted, further compounding the community’s concern.
Students at Apalachee High School, which serves approximately 1,932 students, were initially kept inside the building as a precaution. The Barrow County Schools later announced that students had been cleared to leave, and parents were notified to pick them up. Transportation was also made available for students who required it. Videos from outside the school showed students gathering on the football field, appearing to pray and support one another as the reality of the situation set in.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his support for the affected families and directed all available state resources to assist at the scene. In a statement on social media, he urged “all Georgians to join my family in praying for the safety of those in our classrooms, both in Barrow County and across the state.” His call for unity and strength resonated with many in the community, who are grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event.
Winder, Georgia, a community located about 40 miles northeast of Atlanta, has a population of approximately 18,338, according to the 2020 census. The Barrow County School System is the 24th largest school district in Georgia, serving around 15,340 students. Winder Barrow High School is one of two high schools in the district, making this incident particularly impactful on local families.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not released detailed information about the suspect or the motive behind the shooting. The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they are working diligently to gather more information and will provide updates as they become available.
This tragic incident at Apalachee High School is a stark reminder of the ongoing concerns regarding school safety and gun violence in educational institutions across the nation. Communities are left to wonder how they can better protect their children and ensure that schools remain safe havens for learning.
As families await further news, the community of Winder, GA is coming together to support one another during this difficult time. Vigil services and community gatherings are being organized to provide a space for healing and solidarity in the wake of the tragedy.
This is a developing story, and authorities are expected to release more information in the coming hours. For now, the focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring the safety of students and staff in the Barrow County Schools. The school shooting today at Apalachee High School raises alarms similar to other recent incidents, including the Atlanta school shooting and other shootings in Georgia. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains hopeful for a swift resolution and healing.

This is a developing story and will be updated.