Georgia politicians, leaders call for prayer, unity and gun reform in wake of Apalachee High School shooting

“I have directed all available state resources to respond to the incident at Apalachee High School and urge all Georgians to join my family in praying for the safety of those in our classrooms, both in Barrow County and across the state,” Kemp wrote in a post on X.

The governor’s post was among a wave of messages and statements offering condolences to the victims.

“Praying for the students & staff of Apalachee High School today & the families of the victims,” wrote Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, also expressing his thanks to law enforcement and medical personnel active on the scene.

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia posted a photograph of students and faculty circled in prayer on the Apalachee High School football field.

“Let us join together in prayer for the victims of the school shooting at Apalachee High School and their families just as these students of AHS circled together in prayer today,” the Republican politician said.

U.S. Rep Lucy McBath D-Ga., who lost her 17-year-old son in 2012 to gun violence, expressed her empathy to family members of the impacted high school students.

“Too many continue to experience the pain of gun violence,” she said. “No family should have to go through this.”

Her statements were echoed by U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, who urged for changes in gun reform.

“Until we center the people and start a serious, bipartisan conversation in Washington & state capitols across the country to advance popular, commonsense gun safety reforms, the sad truth is it’s only a matter of time before this kind of tragedy comes knocking on your door,” the Democratic senator from Georgia wrote.

“Mass shootings as routine aren’t the cost of freedom, they’re the cost of blind obstinance. We don’t have to live this way. If we refuse to act while our children are dying, and in a moment when no one is safe from rampant gun violence, then shame on us,” he added.

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff responded by condemning the “despicable act of violence,” thanking local law enforcement and first responders.

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, who serves Georgia’s 10th congressional district, where the shooting occurred, wrote that he spoke with Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith and could confirm the four deaths.

“Many others wounded, but not all gun-related or life-threatening injuries, some from efforts to flee danger,” he wrote.

“We extend our gratitude to law enforcement for their swift action to secure the school and get the shooter in custody,” he added.

Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods released a full statement, calling the act of violence “an unimaginable loss for Barrow and our entire educational community across the state.”

“The Georgia Department of Education is actively monitoring the situation in Barrow County and will continue to respond as additional information is available,” Woods said in the statement.

He also asked Georgians to stand in solidary to support the community of Apalachee High School and their families.

“I know we will come together as a state to support the Barrow County community as they face this tragic loss,” he added.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr also responded on X later in the afternoon, calling the shooting a “senseless tragedy.”

Rebecca Etter and Meimei Xu contributed to this report.