Apalachee High School shooting | Students recount harrowing moments
BARROW COUNTY, Ga. - Parents and students are in shock following a deadly mass shooting at Apalachee High School on Wednesday morning, where four people were tragically killed, and nine others were hospitalized. The shooting has left the local community reeling, as officials work to piece together the events that led to the violent incident.
In an interview with our news team, students recounted their experiences during the attack, which unfolded unexpectedly during the school day.
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The school's internal communication system, known as the smart board, sent a notification initiating a hard lockdown, instructing students and teachers to seek immediate safety. One student described the moment when he and his classmates huddled in a corner of their classroom, securing the door as they waited for law enforcement to arrive. Law enforcement officers later entered the room using a key to unlock the door as they cleared the building.
Another student, who was listening to music at the time of the attack, shared his account of the shooting. "I just heard gunshots going off. I had my AirPods on full blast... My friend pushed me to the ground. I thought it was fake until I heard more gunshots and screaming," he said. The student also described seeing the aftermath as they exited the school, including a body on the floor, a gun, bullets, and blood scattered across the scene.
Two other students reported seeing an AK-47 lying on the floor near one of the victims as they made their way to safety. Local law enforcement has not confirmed whether that weapon was involved in the shooting but has stated that they are investigating all witness accounts. The Barrow County Sheriff's Office is working to confirm details surrounding the weapon and its potential use in the attack.
Apalachee High School shooting: Student recount harrowing moments
Continuing coverage of the deadly shooting Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. FOX 5's Eric Perry spoke to several students who described the terrifying ordeal. We know four people were killed and at least nine others were injured and taken to area hospitals.
The students, still visibly shaken, described the terror of witnessing the loss of life within their school. "It was a teacher’s body on the floor," one student said, capturing the tragic scene that unfolded.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials are still processing the magnitude of the situation. Further details are expected to be released as law enforcement continues their sweep of the school and interviews with witnesses.
This shooting marks yet another instance of gun violence within American schools, reigniting concerns over safety in educational institutions.