ATLANTA - Today, House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration (R-Auburn), Majority Caucus Vice Chairman Houston Gaines (R-Athens) and State Representative Holt Persinger (R-Winder) issued the following statements on the shooting that occurred today at Apalachee High School in Barrow County:

"Ashley and I mourn today's tragic loss of life in our community and are in prayer for the victims and their families, as well as for the students, faculty and staff at Apalachee High School who were impacted by the shooting," said Leader Efstration. "We are grateful to law enforcement for their courageous response to neutralize the shooter and secure the scene."

"This morning, students, teachers and staff went to school expecting a day like any other - and instead were met with tragedy," said Vice Chairman Gaines. "I join all Georgians in praying for the victims of today's senseless violence, their loved ones and the Apalachee High School and Barrow County community. What happened today should never occur anywhere in our society, much less in our schools. Thank you to our law enforcement officers and first responders who immediately jumped into action. May God Bless Apalachee High School and Barrow County."

"I am deeply saddened by today's senseless shooting at Apalachee High School," said Rep. Persinger. "It is my hope that all Georgians will lift up Barrow County in prayer tonight as our community grapples with this tragedy."

Representative Chuck Efstration represents the citizens of District 104, which includes portions of Barrow and Gwinnett counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2013 and currently serves as the House Majority Leader. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and on the Code Revision, Ethics, Insurance, Judiciary, Judiciary Non-Civil, Juvenile Justice and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees and is an Ex-Officio member of the Rules Committee.

Representative Houston Gaines represents the citizens of District 120, which includes portions of Barrow, Clarke, Jackson and Oconee counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the House Majority Caucus and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education. He also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Ethics, Governmental Affairs, Insurance, Public Health, Urban Affairs and Ways & Means committees.

Representative Holt Persinger represents the citizens of District 119, which includes portions of Barrow and Jackson counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2023 and currently serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Economic Development & Tourism and Natural Resources & Environment committees.

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