FBI Links Apalachee High Shooter to Previous Threat Investigation
In a shocking revelation, the FBI’s Atlanta Division disclosed that Colt Gray, the 14-year-old suspect in the recent tragic shooting at Apalachee High School, was previously investigated last year for making threats of a school shooting. According to a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center received anonymous tips in May 2023 about threats made online by a then-13-year-old. These threats included disturbing images of guns and were traced back to Jackson County, Georgia.
The FBI promptly referred the case to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, which conducted an interview with Gray and his father. During this investigation, Gray’s father reported having hunting guns in the house but assured that Gray did not have unsupervised access to them. At that time, there was insufficient evidence to warrant an arrest or further action, leading to only a heightened alert status for local schools. It remains unclear whether Gray attended school in Jackson County before transferring to Barrow County, where Apalachee High School is located.
Also Read:- Strictly Come Dancing 2024 Trailer Unveiled with Glitz and Glamour
- Get Ready for the Star-Studded Lineup of 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 33!
On the morning of September 4, 2024, Gray was identified by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) as the perpetrator of the shooting that left four dead and nine injured. The victims include two students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14 years old, and two teachers, Christina Irimie, 53, and Richard Aspinwall, 39. Gray, who is being charged as an adult, used an AR-platform-style weapon in the attack.
The local response to the tragedy has been swift. Barrow County Schools have been closed for the remainder of the week as the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Janis Mangum, has addressed public concerns, emphasizing that ongoing investigations are focused on understanding the full scope of the incident. In the wake of the shooting, authorities are scrutinizing previous interactions the family had with Family and Children Services.
The impact of the shooting extends beyond the immediate victims. Students and parents have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences during the lockdown and evacuation. Senior Sergio Caldera recounted hiding in his classroom while hearing the chaos outside, and other students reported a similar state of fear and confusion. Parents like Jonathan Mills described the intense emotional strain of waiting to hear from their children.
This tragic event has drawn significant reactions from leaders. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have expressed their sorrow and renewed calls for stricter gun control measures. Governor Brian Kemp, who returned to Georgia from a planned speech in Las Vegas, voiced his heartbreak and commitment to providing support to the affected community. Meanwhile, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has announced increased patrols around schools as a precautionary measure.
As the investigation continues and the community begins to heal, the focus remains on honoring the victims and addressing the systemic issues that have led to this devastating event. The Apalachee High School shooting has once again ignited a national conversation about gun violence and the need for comprehensive reform.
Read More:
0 Comments