Parents and community members voiced their frustration at a recent Barrow County School System meeting, demanding stronger safety protocols following a tragic school shooting. Tara Shipman, a concerned parent, shared her fears after learning that the 14-year-old shooter, Colt Gray, had been on the same bus as her child just days before he carried an AR-15 into Apalachee High School, resulting in the deaths of two students and two teachers on September 4.
“If he had to use a clear backpack, this tragedy might have been prevented,” Shipman expressed. Many at the meeting called for mandatory clear or mesh bags and metal detectors at school entrances. Shipman recalled that during her school days, bus monitors helped keep students safe, suggesting a similar approach could be beneficial today.
Students resumed classes on September 24, but concerns linger over the adequacy of safety measures. Dr. Matt Thompson, the school system’s Chief of Staff, mentioned ongoing discussions about the feasibility of metal detectors but stressed the need to balance safety with the efficient movement of nearly 2,000 students daily.
Sean Schultz, whose children are enrolled in the district, argued that even imperfect security measures could catch a significant number of threats. “If we can stop just 60%, that’s worth it,” he said, emphasizing that the cost of additional safety measures is minimal compared to administrative budgets.
Since the incident, school officials have increased the presence of resource officers and law enforcement on campuses and have provided mental health support, including therapy dogs. However, some parents worry about the ongoing security presence, with reports suggesting that many officers have since withdrawn.
Details Emerge About Colt Gray and His Parents
Colt Gray is currently in custody facing multiple charges, including murder, and will be tried as an adult. His father, Colin Gray, has also been arrested on charges related to involuntary manslaughter linked to the shooting. It’s been reported that Colin gifted Colt the rifle used in the incident, despite prior warnings from the FBI regarding Colt’s online threats.
Colt’s mother, Marcee Gray, faces serious legal troubles of her own, having been indicted for elder abuse involving her mother. She allegedly left her mother tied to a chair for extended periods. Her lengthy criminal history includes several driving offenses dating back to 2007.
