ATLANTA — Friday marks two years since the deadliest act of school violence in Georgia’s history.
On Sept. 4, 2024, Colt Gray opened fire inside Apalachee High School, killing two students and two teachers, and wounding more than a dozen more.
On Thursday, Channel 2’s Steve Gehlbach was at the Georgia State Capitol as Gov. Brian Kemp declared Friday Apalachee Remembrance Day.
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The governor was joined by the victims’ families, survivors, teachers, law enforcement and more.
“For them, this date will always be a reminder of that loss, but also of the impact their loved ones had on others,” Kemp said. “But the people of Winder and Barrow County are also still here showing up every day, working to help each other, putting one foot in front of the other, while we all move forward while never forgetting.”
Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith thanked the governor and found the emotion still there.
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“Two years ago, evil took from us, but what evil doesn’t know is resiliency in our community runs deep,” Smith said.
Apalachee High School Principal Jessica Rehberg read out the proclamation signed by the governor.
School is out at Apalachee on Friday, and students will use the day out as a day of service in the community to mark the anniversary.
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