ATLANTA (September 4, 2024) — Today, Chairman of the Senate Study Committee on Safe Firearm Storage, Sen. Emanuel Jones (D–Decatur), issued the following statement on today’s shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County:
“My deepest condolences are with the students, faculty, families and anyone else affected by this horrible act of violence that took place today at Apalachee High School. This tragic shooting is a stark and painful reminder that now is the time to address the critical issue of safe firearm storage.
As Chairman of the Senate Study Committee on Safe Firearm Storage, I am committed to finding solutions to stop these tragedies before they occur. This is not about infringing on Second Amendment rights but protecting our children and their safety. The technology exists today to secure firearms effectively, ensuring that they do not fall into the hands of those who should not have access to them, particularly children. On average, 1,927 people die by guns in Georgia each year—these are not just numbers; they are lives lost and families shattered. We must do more.
I call on all elected officials to take meaningful action and ensure that tragedies like this never happen again. Our children deserve better. They deserve to be safe in their schools and communities, and it is our responsibility as leaders to make that a reality.”
