Sheriff’s Office Releases Radio Transmissions from Georgia School Shooting
CNN — The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office has released 911 and police dispatch records from the tragic Apalachee High School shooting in Winder, Georgia, which occurred last week. The incident resulted in the deaths of two teachers and two students.
The recordings, reviewed by CNN and obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, capture crucial moments from the crisis, including reports of an active shooter, injuries, and anxious calls from parents. The audio reveals the immediate response of law enforcement and emergency services as they dealt with the unfolding situation.
One recording features an officer urgently declaring, “Active shooter!” with a dispatcher confirming, “Correct. We have an active shooter at Apalachee High School.” Another recording includes an officer, slightly out of breath, informing a dispatcher that the suspect is in custody and instructing her to “roll EMS,” which she confirms is on the way.
In a separate recording, a parent expresses concern for his daughter, a school psychologist, who was reportedly trying to secure a trailer while the shooting was happening. The dispatcher confirms the situation and the need to check on the trailer.
The shooting, which took place on September 4, was the 45th school shooting of 2024 and the deadliest since the March 2023 attack at The Covenant School in Nashville. The Barrow County dispatch records reveal that the first call about the shooting came in at 10:22 a.m. ET, identifying the suspect as Colt Gray, 14. By 10:30 a.m., the suspect was in custody, though the violence continued with reports of fatalities in different hallways.
A distressing call from Colt Gray’s aunt to 911 reveals her fear that her nephew might be involved in the incident. She shares her contact information and pleads for assistance, while also noting the alarming messages Colt had sent his mother.
Colt Gray, who confessed to the attack, faces four counts of felony murder and will be tried as an adult. His father, Colin Gray, is charged with multiple offenses, including second-degree murder, for allegedly allowing Colt to possess the weapon used in the shooting. The gun was reportedly purchased as a gift by Colin Gray in December 2023.
The Barrow County School System plans to gradually reopen Apalachee High School the week of September 23, with mental health support available on campus. This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided.
