ATLANTA — Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock addressed U.S. Congress on Monday following the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, where four lives were lost. The senator expressed deep concern about the ongoing issue of gun violence, calling for unity and legislative action.
"The American people are calling for change," Warnock said during his speech. "Democrats and Republicans. Folks in rural spaces and in urban spaces. It's the gun lobby that wants to turn this into a culture war because they know that that's in their best interests. This is a public safety issue."
Warnock emphasized that this marks the third time he has spoken about a mass shooting in Georgia since he took office in 2021. He urged lawmakers to prioritize public safety and pass meaningful gun reform to prevent further tragedies.
Right after the tragic shooting, Warnock had also taken to X, posting a thread echoing the same message of a unified front to take legislative action.
The victims of the shooting included two teachers, Richard Aspinwall and Cristina Irimie, along with two 14-year-old students, Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, who were killed in the attack.
They've arrested 14-year-old Colt Gray, a student at the school, and he's been charged with four counts of murder, with more charges expected, according to law enforcement.
Authorities also charged Colt’s father, 54-year-old Colin Gray, with multiple offenses, including four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children. Investigators believe Colin Gray gave his son the gun used in the shooting as a gift.