Tragic First School Shooting of the Year in Georgia Sparks Gun Control Debate

Four people were killed and nine were injured in a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, the first school shooting of the new U.S. school year. A 14-year-old suspect has been taken into custody. The incident reignites calls for gun safety legislation.

Winder, Georgia – Four people lost their lives and nine sustained injuries in a tragic shooting at Apalachee High School, marking the first such incident of the new school year in the United States. A 14-year-old suspect is currently in custody, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

The shooting, which occurred just over an hour into the school day, has once again ignited discussions around gun violence in educational institutions. Sheriff Jud Smith stated that law enforcement received their first call about the incident at around 9:30 a.m. Although local officials withheld details, they acknowledged multiple injuries and fatalities.

President Joe Biden, briefed on the situation, called for bipartisan support to pass common-sense gun safety legislation. Vice President Kamala Harris echoed the call for action, labeling the shooting a 'senseless tragedy' at a campaign event. This incident adds to the alarming trend of school shootings that have plagued the U.S. for the past two decades.

(With inputs from agencies.)