At Least Two Shot and Killed and At Least Four Wounded in Mass Shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia; Everytown, Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Respond

Winder, GA - The Georgia chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety's grassroots network, released the following statements in response to a mass shooting Wednesday morning at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. While details are still emerging, reporting shows at least two individuals were shot and killed and at least four wounded. The suspect is reportedly in custody.

"News of today's school shooting in Georgia is gut wrenching, heartbreaking, and enraging for all students across the country," said Sophie Chang, a volunteer with the Northview High School Students Demand Action chapter. "Guns are the number one killer of my generation and condolences have never shielded us from bullets. Our schools shouldn't have to become graveyards for politicians to take initiative and pass gun safety laws."

"It's been one month since school began, and already we're met with the terror that our children may not make it home alive," saidKaren Sedatole, a volunteer with the Georgia chapter of Moms Demand Action. "Thoughts and prayers are empty and meaningless - we need our lawmakers to act. Pass common sense gun laws to protect our children so we don't have to grieve for empty seats at our dinner tables."

Firearms are the leading cause of death for children, teens and young adults (ages 1 to 25) in the United States. Children, teens and young adults in the U.S. are impacted by gun violence in all its forms. Exposure to gun violence has an impact on the psychological and mental well-being of young people and affects their school performance, among other factors.

According to a recent analysis by Everytown, gun violence on school grounds rose by 31 percent last year, the second-highest number of incidents since Everytown began tracking gun violence at schools more than a decade ago. Securely storing firearms is an important tool to help prevent shootings in schools. Three quarters of school shooters get a firearm from home or from a relative's home. Last session, the Georgia General Assembly created a study committee to propose secure storage policies. The committee held its first meeting on August 20, where Everytown and other advocates presented on the importance of secure storage in households with minors.

In an average year, 1,927 people die by guns in Georgia. With a rate of 17.9 deaths per 100,000 people, Georgia has the 15th-highest rate of gun deaths in the US.

If you are interested in speaking with a Georgia Moms Demand Action or Students Demand volunteer, or a policy expert please reach out to [email protected].