Stay Tuned NOW with Gadi Schwartz – Sept. 4 | NBC News NOW
Tragedy Strikes Appalache High School in Georgia: Four Dead, Nine Injured in School Shooting
Tragedy struck Appalache High School in Barrow County, Georgia, outside of Atlanta, on a typical morning, just a month into the new school year. A high school shooting left four people dead, including two teachers and two students, and nine others injured. A 14-year-old student, identified as Colt Gray, has been charged with murder and is being held in custody.
Chaos and Fear
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with students and families rushing to evacuate the school. One student described the moment they heard gunfire and were able to leave campus: "It was like over, like a period of a minute that the gun actually fired… You could hear that other classrooms were like struggling and like people were like yelling, people were scared." Another student described the smell of gunpowder and blood in the classroom, saying it was "like really traumatic."
Vigil Held in the Community
A vigil was held in the community to honor the victims and provide support to those affected. The mood was somber, with many in attendance wiping away tears. As one attendee said, "There’s nowhere that is truly safe. That student told me that having gone through this experience, that’s their takeaway."
Investigation Ongoing
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting. The suspect, 14-year-old Colt Gray, is being charged as an adult and is expected to face a judge.
Community in Shock
The community is reeling from the tragedy, with many struggling to come to terms with the senseless violence. As one family member said, "We’re just trying to figure out how this could have happened. We’re still in shock."
Follow-up
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
