Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The Catholic bishops of Atlanta have offered prayers “for healing and strength” following a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, on September 4. The alleged shooter, 14-year-old Colt Gray, is currently in custody. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the incident resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to at least nine others.

In a joint statement issued on September 4, Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., of Atlanta, along with the diocese’s auxiliary bishops, expressed their sorrow: “Our hearts ache for the lives that have been so cruelly cut short by this devastating tragedy.” They also prayed for those who lost loved ones and called for divine blessings on first responders and medical personnel.

The bishops described the shooting as “another grim reminder” that more action is needed to prevent gun violence. They urged elected officials to work together to enact laws aimed at preventing such tragedies.

Chris Hosey, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, confirmed that two teachers and two students were among those killed. He stated that Gray has been charged with murder and will be prosecuted as an adult.

Apalachee High School will remain closed for the rest of the week as law enforcement continues its investigation. The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office reported that multiple law enforcement agencies responded to an active shooting situation at the school.

Located nearly 50 miles from Atlanta, Apalachee High School had only been in session for one month when the shooting occurred. A spokesperson for Grady Health System told CNN that they were treating at least one gunshot victim from the school.

Governor Brian Kemp wrote on social media platform X that he has directed all available state resources to respond to the incident and asked Georgians to pray for safety in classrooms across the state.

A White House spokesperson confirmed that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation by Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall. In his statement, Biden mourned those lost due to “senseless gun violence” and emphasized his administration’s commitment to coordinating with federal, state, and local officials.

“What should have been a joyous back-to-school season in Winder has now turned into another horrific reminder of how gun violence continues to tear our communities apart,” Biden said. He reiterated his call for bipartisan cooperation on passing common-sense gun safety legislation.

Biden highlighted past efforts such as signing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act but stressed that more needs to be done. He advocated for banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines again, requiring safe storage of firearms, enacting universal background checks, and ending immunity for gun manufacturers.

Last year, Atlanta's Catholic bishops signed a joint statement urging federal and state officials to implement meaningful legislation addressing gun violence. They highlighted how easy access to firearms poses an immediate threat to children’s wellbeing and called on lawmakers to prevent guns from falling into dangerous hands.