GIFFORDS remembers victims of Apalachee High School shooting one year later

WASHINGTON — GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement remembering the lives lost during the Apalachee High School shooting, which took place one year ago tomorrow in Barrow County, Georgia. Two teachers and two students lost their lives, and seven more were injured when the shooter opened fire. 

“Today, I’m remembering Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, who were only 14 years old, as well as Christina Irmie and Richard Aspinwall, a teacher and coach who lost their lives too soon. My heart goes out to their families, and to the survivors who are still dealing with the aftermath of that day,” said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. “This senseless and tragic shooting should never have been allowed to happen. Georgia leaders must stop weakening their gun laws, and instead stand up and demand a safer future for our children and communities.”

In 2024, Georgia received an F on GIFFORDS Annual Gun Law Scorecard. In 2022, the state legalized permitless carry, which eliminated background checks and gun owner license requirements. Just weeks before the shooting at Apalachee High School, lawmakers rejected a bill that would have incentivized safe gun storage, and this year, Georgia lawmakers failed to pass proposed safe storage legislation once again.