Georgia High School Shooting: Student Concealed Rifle In Backpack

This combo of images show shooting victims, from left, Christian Angulo, Mason Schermerhorn, Cristina Irimie and Richard Aspinwall, displayed at a memorial outside Apalachee High School, Tuesday, Sept

Authorities have confirmed that the student accused of the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia had concealed a semiautomatic assault rifle in his backpack on the morning of the incident. The 14-year-old suspect, identified as Colt Gray, left his second-period classroom after obtaining permission to visit the front office but instead hid in a bathroom before commencing the assault.

According to reports from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith, Colt Gray had been displaying concerning behavior prior to the shooting. His mother, Marcee Gray, revealed that she had contacted the school on the morning of the incident after receiving distressing text messages from her son. School officials had already been alerted to Colt's references to school shootings by one of his teachers.

Marcee Gray and her family had sought psychiatric treatment for Colt Gray in the week leading up to the shooting, indicating their awareness of his mental health struggles. However, a school employee mistakenly identified another student with a similar name as Colt Gray when attempting to locate him on the day of the attack.

Colt Gray now faces four counts of murder as an adult, with additional charges expected to be filed in connection with the injured victims. His father, Colin Gray, has also been charged for allegedly providing his son access to the firearm despite knowing the potential risks.

14-year-old suspect, Colt Gray, initiated the attack after hiding in a bathroom.

Student concealed semiautomatic rifle in backpack for school shooting.

Concerning behavior and mental health struggles were observed prior to the incident.

Mother had contacted the school due to distressing text messages from her son.

School officials were aware of Colt's references to school shootings.

Colt Gray faces four murder charges as an adult, with father also charged.

The timeline of events on the day of the shooting sheds light on the sequence of actions leading up to the tragic incident. The school went into lockdown after Colt Gray surrendered to law enforcement officers, who swiftly responded to the scene.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, efforts are being made to support the students and families affected by the tragedy. The school has not yet announced a reopening date for Apalachee High School, while students from other schools in Barrow County have returned to classes.

Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting as the community mourns the loss of two students and two teachers, with several others injured in the attack.