State Democrats Urge Action After Deadly Shooting

At a press conference held Friday at the Capitol, State Democrats called on Governor Brian Kemp to convene a Special Legislative Session to address gun violence, which they argue Republicans have been neglecting. This appeal follows the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, which resulted in four deaths and dozens of injuries. The victims included two teachers and two students.

The press conference saw participation from distressed parents and gun violence advocates, who criticized the absence of Republican representatives at the press conference. One emotional mother recounted her fear of sending her son to school after receiving a threatening text that his school was next. She said, “thoughts and prayers are meaningless” and demanded concrete action.

Speakers at the event underscored the urgent need for legislative change, pointing out that various Democratic proposals aimed at improving gun safety—such as safe storage requirements and enhanced mental health support in schools—had been blocked by Republicans over the past two years. They criticized the focus of recent Republican legislation, which prioritized gun holder protections over public safety and school security. Notably, all Democratic gun safety bills were blocked in the last session.

House Minority Leader James Beverly presented a list of bills that had been proposed, highlighting the Democrats’ persistent efforts to address these issues, only to be blocked by their Republican colleagues. Rep. Michelle Au directly challenged Governor Kemp’s assertion that it is not the right time to discuss gun violence following the shooting, asking, “If the time to discuss gun violence is not now, then when?”

Other speakers expressed frustration at missed opportunities for bipartisan solutions including Rep. Sairah Drapper. She criticized her Republican colleagues for “gambling with children’s lives” and lamented that policy discussions should have taken place before the tragic deaths of teachers and students.

Chairman Bill Mitchell condemned the Republican approach to gun safety, noting the perceived hypocrisy in their stance. He highlighted that while Republicans supported firearms in many areas across the state, these same Republicans restrict the firearms being allowed in the Capitol. He went on to say that this a privilege enjoyed by Republican legislators and the Governor – to work where no guns can be brought into the capitol. Mitchell suggested that parents should advocate for their children to have classes at the capital to learn in the gun-free environment Republicans created for themselves.

The press conference highlighted the deep divide over gun safety measures and the ongoing debate about how best to prevent gun violence in Georgia schools. Advocates argue that Georgia’s gun laws are among the weakest in the country and warn that without action, innocent lives will continue to be at risk.