The Barrow County Sheriff's Office has made public the 911 and police dispatch recordings from the tragic Apalachee High School shooting that occurred last week, resulting in the deaths of two teachers and two students.
The recordings, obtained by CNN through a Freedom of Information Act request, include discussions between dispatchers and emergency responders about the active shooter situation, the number of injuries, and anxious parents seeking information about their children’s safety.
The audio captures moments of urgency as dispatchers and officers communicate about the situation. One clip features an officer urgently stating, “Active shooter!” with the dispatcher confirming the situation. Another clip reveals a slightly out-of-breath officer informing dispatchers that the suspect is in custody and requesting emergency medical services.
In one recording, an officer reports a parent’s call, relaying that their child and a student are locked in the art room. Another call from a distressed parent identifies their daughter, a school psychologist, as being in proximity to the shooting, unable to lock her trailer’s doors for safety.
The shooting, which occurred on September 4, is marked as the 45th school shooting of 2024 and the deadliest since the March 2023 attack at The Covenant School in Nashville.
The Barrow County reports reveal that the first emergency call came in at 10:22 a.m. ET, with authorities identifying the suspect as Colt and confirming one student’s death. By 10:30 a.m., the suspect was in custody, and later updates indicated the locations of the deceased victims.
A call from Colt Gray’s aunt around 11:45 a.m. revealed her concern for her nephew’s involvement after receiving distressing messages. The aunt provided contact information for further updates.
Colt Gray’s mother, Marcee Gray, had contacted the school prior to the shooting, expressing concern after receiving an apologetic text from her son. She and her father traveled to the school, but the shooting occurred before they arrived.
Colt Gray, who has 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 counts including second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for allegedly enabling his son’s access to the weapon.
Authorities say the gun used was purchased by Colin Gray in December 2023. During a search of the family home, investigators found documents related to past school shootings.
The Barrow County School System plans to begin a gradual reopening of Apalachee High School the week of September 23, with mental health support available on campus.
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