Over a year ago, Georgia police interviewed a 13-year-old boy following online threats about a school shooting but lacked enough evidence for an arrest. On Wednesday, that boy, now 14, opened fire at his high school outside Atlanta, killing four and injuring nine, according to officials.

The teen has been charged as an adult with the deaths of Apalachee High School students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14, and teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Christina Irimie, 53, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Hosey reported.

Injured were at least nine others — eight students and one teacher — who were taken to hospitals but are expected to survive, Sheriff Jud Smith said.

The shooter, armed with an assault-style rifle, targeted students in a hallway when they refused to let him back into his algebra class, classmate Lyela Sayarath said. After a barrage of gunfire, students hid as two school resource officers quickly apprehended the shooter, who surrendered immediately.

The FBI had previously received anonymous tips about threats from the teen in May 2023 and referred the case to local authorities. Despite interviewing the teen and his father and inspecting the home, there was insufficient evidence for arrest.

Authorities are investigating how the teen acquired the gun and smuggled it into the school. The shooting is the latest in a series of school shootings in the U.S., sparking ongoing debates about gun control.

On Wednesday evening, hundreds gathered for a vigil in Jug Tavern Park, where they were comforted with candles, water, and food. Christopher Vasquez, 15, attended to find solace after the lockdown turned serious during band practice, leaving him shaken and praying for the safety of his loved ones.

Source: PTI

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