The father of the teenager accused of killing four people at a Georgia high school has been arrested, adding another layer of tragedy to the already devastating event. Colin Gray, 54, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter, second-degree murder, and cruelty to children in connection with the shooting at Apalachee High School.
The shooting, which took place on Wednesday, resulted in the deaths of two students and two teachers, and left nine others injured. Colt Gray, the 14-year-old suspect, was charged as an adult with murder and is accused of using a semiautomatic assault-style rifle in the attack.
This arrest comes amidst the revelation that authorities had investigated a potential threat made by Colt Gray a year prior. In May 2023, the FBI received a tip about a Discord post linked to Colt Gray, then 13, that suggested he might carry out a school shooting. A sheriff’s deputy interviewed Colt Gray and his father, but ultimately decided not to pursue charges due to conflicting evidence about the origin of the threatening post.
During the interview, Colt Gray’s father, Colin Gray, stated that his son had struggled with his parents’ separation and was frequently bullied at school. He also acknowledged that Colt Gray was familiar with firearms and enjoyed hunting with him. Despite these details, the investigation at the time concluded that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to take action.
The tragic events at Apalachee High School have sparked renewed debate about gun control and the complexities of identifying potential threats. While the investigation into the shooting is ongoing, the arrest of Colt Gray’s father raises critical questions about parental responsibility, access to firearms, and the role of law enforcement in addressing potential threats.
The school remained closed on Thursday as authorities continued their investigation and community members mourned the loss of their loved ones. The incident has cast a shadow over the school and the wider community, highlighting the ongoing struggle to address gun violence and protect students and educators from harm.
