‘Two killed and four wounded’ in high school shooting

At least two people have been reportedly killed and four others injured in a shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia.

The deaths and injuries from the shooting that broke out shortly before 10.30am on Wednesday morning were reported by NBC News but not immediately confirmed by law enforcement agencies.

‘One suspect is in custody. Casualties have been reported, however details on the number or their conditions is not available at this time,’ stated the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office. ‘This is an ongoing situation.’

But around midday, the sheriff’s office confirmed fatalities and injuries had occurred.

Witnesses saw at least one person being airlifted from the campus and a heavy police presence.

One patient was taken into Grady Hospital in Atlanta in an unknown condition, 11Alive reported. Another victim arrived at Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s Winder facility and one more was received at the Gainesville location.

Information on the suspect as not immediately disclosed.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation responded to the shooting and confirmed that one suspect was in custody.

Students gather at the Apalachee High School track after a confirmed shooting (Picture: ANF)

‘We urge anyone near the area to stay clear while authorities investigate,’ wrote the agency on X.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp wrote on X (formerly Twitter): ‘I have directed all available state resources to respond to the incident at Apalachee High School and urge all Georgians to join my family in praying for the safety of those in our classrooms, both in Barrow County and across the state.’

FBI Atlanta stated that it was aware of the situation at the high school and ‘our agents are on scene coordinating with and supporting local law enforcement’.

The high school was immediately placed on lockdown following reports of gunfire.

A suspect is in custody after a shooting at Apalachee High School shortly before 10.30am on Wednesday (Picture: ANF)

‘For the safety of everyone, we cannot release students during a lockdown,’ stated the school’s principal, Aperil Sellers, following the shooting.

‘We will let you know as soon as BCSO says it is all clear for HES to dismiss.’

Students began being released to their parents and guardians around 11.30am, according to 11Alive.

The White House stated that President Joe Biden was briefed on the ‘tragic shooting’ by his homeland security adviser and that ‘his administration will continue coordinating with federal, state, and local officials as we receive more information’.

Students were released to their parents and guardians around 11.30am on Wednesday (Picture: ANF)

The high school in Winder is about 45 miles northwest of Atlanta.

Sophie Walker