The release of 911 call records from the emergency call center in Barrow County, Georgia, revealed the chaos and fear that stemmed from the school shooting at Apalachee High School on Sept. 4. Due to state law exemptions, many of the calls made by students, who made up most of the school’s population, were not released to the public. Calls peaked around 10:20 a.m. when the shooting began, with many callers being met with automated messages due to the high call volume.
Adults also called 911 after receiving messages from their children who were at the school during the shooting. Parents of students at neighboring elementary and middle schools also flooded the call center seeking information and reassurance. More than 500 radio messages between emergency personnel were released, capturing the urgent and chaotic response to the active shooter at the high school. Four people were killed in the shooting, including two teachers and two students, while eight others were wounded, seven of whom were hit by gunfire.
The suspect, identified as 14-year-old Colt Gray, rode the school bus to the school on the day of the shooting with an assault-style rifle concealed in his backpack. He was able to get permission from a teacher to leave the classroom with his backpack, where he retrieved the weapon in a restroom. Investigators also found a knife on him when he was arrested. The suspect had enrolled at Apalachee High School just a few weeks before the shooting and had been absent for multiple days prior to the incident.
The suspect’s family informed CBS News that the suspect’s maternal grandmother had visited the school the day before the shooting to discuss the teenager’s behavioral issues. Colt Gray has been charged as an adult with four counts of murder, and additional charges are expected to be filed in connection with the injured individuals. The suspect’s father, Colin Gray, has also been charged for allegedly giving his son access to the gun despite knowing the potential dangers.
Following the tragic event, the students at Barrow County’s other schools returned to class, while the students of Apalachee High School were scheduled to start returning the following week. The community continues to mourn the loss of the victims and grapple with the aftermath of the devastating school shooting. Officials are working to provide support and resources for the students, families, and staff affected by the traumatic event.
Overall, the released 911 call records and radio messages provide a glimpse into the rapid and overwhelming response to the school shooting at Apalachee High School. The tragic event has had a profound impact on the community, with many left shocked and grieving over the loss of lives and the injuries inflicted during the shooting. Authorities are working diligently to hold those responsible accountable while also offering support and guidance to those impacted by the traumatic incident.
