ATLANTA — Following the introduction of school safety legislation by Georgia Republican House Speaker Jon Burns, both Democrats and families affected by the tragic events at Apalachee High School are advocating for more stringent gun safety measures. This push for reform comes in the wake of a mass shooting at the school, located northeast of Atlanta, where a 14-year-old boy is charged with the deaths of two teachers and two students, along with several injuries, on September 4.
On the day of the shooting, Isabel Trejo, a senior at Apalachee, found herself concerned about a forthcoming test while in math class with Richard “Ricky” Aspinwall, who was later killed in the incident. Trejo recounted the horror of that day, expressing to lawmakers, “the minutes that followed felt like an eternity.” She described hiding under a desk, bracing for the possibility of a shooter entering the classroom.
Trejo was joined by families of the victims and Ishmael “Junior” Angulo, who lost his brother Christian in the shooting. They stood in solidarity with Rep. Michelle Au, a Democrat from Johns Creek, along with others advocating for enhanced gun regulations in a state known for its lenient firearm laws. Although Burns’ efforts were acknowledged, many feel that comprehensive gun safety legislation is essential to prevent future tragedies.
“Speaker Burns’ plan focuses on incidents occurring once firearms are already introduced into a school environment. In contrast, Dr. Au’s proposal aims to guarantee that firearms are stored securely, preventing them from entering schools in the first place,” remarked Layla Renee Contreras, a former Apalachee student and member of Change for Chee, a community group founded post-shooting to demand heightened school safety.
Recent findings from Johns Hopkins University indicate that Georgia had the eighth-highest gun homicide rate in 2022, with firearms being the leading cause of death among children and teens aged 1 to 17. Despite consistent efforts by Democrats to enforce gun control measures, success has been limited. The Republican majority in the state legislature has largely opposed these initiatives. Governor Brian Kemp’s strong backing for gun rights played a significant role in his electoral success and granted him national recognition. In 2022, he enacted a law that permits individuals to carry handguns without needing a state-issued permit.
This backdrop precedes the Apalachee shooting; however, there is a glimmer of hope that this tragic event might compel some Republicans to respond to calls for change. “The families affected by the events at Apalachee and in Barrow County are still grieving, and it is our duty to address this issue with the seriousness it deserves, despite the challenges we face in making progress,” Au stated.
Au has suggested the introduction of tax credits of up to $300 for those purchasing secure storage options for firearms, such as gun safes and trigger locks. Burns has expressed his support for tax incentives, and while a bipartisan group of lawmakers previously approved such credits in the House, similar legislation encountered obstacles in the Senate. Au has also proposed expanded background check procedures, which may not find favor among Republican lawmakers.
Additionally, another proposal by Au aims to criminalize the act of neglecting to secure firearms from children, a measure also backed by Atlanta Democrat Sen. Elena Parent. This bill mandates businesses to display signage regarding these safety regulations. The 14-year-old implicated in the Apalachee shooting reportedly obtained the semiautomatic rifle used in the attack from his father, both of whom now face murder charges.
Parent is championing further proposals, including preventing individuals convicted of family violence from acquiring firearms, along with establishing a hearing process for those involuntarily hospitalized who wish to erase their records. Currently, Georgia’s crime information center automatically clears such records five years post-hospitalization.
Furthermore, Decatur Democrat Sen. Emanuel Jones has introduced legislation advocating for an emergency alert system and a threat database for schools. This would also require schools to offer mental health services for students who pose risks. His proposal includes statewide initiatives to improve communication regarding gun safety.
Attending the Capitol to support Burns’ initiatives was the father of slain teacher Aspinwall, reflecting a familial endorsement for increased information-sharing between schools and law enforcement about threats, which would include students exhibiting concerning behavioral or mental health issues. The plan also outlines pathways for connecting students with necessary counseling resources.
Last month, the governor proposed allocating an additional $50 million to enhance school safety, though this funding did not encompass the mental health support that schools have sought.
