A harrowing account from Apalachee High School students who witnessed a tragic school shooting has gone viral, shedding light on the terrifying moments of the incident.
The testimony of 14-year-old Bree Jones and fellow student Malasia Mitchell, who experienced the traumatic event, was featured in an emotional CNN interview, revealing their courage and heartbreak.
The tragedy unfolded when 17-year-old Colt Gray, a fellow student, initiated a deadly shooting rampage. Bree Jones was the first to encounter Gray, describing the chilling moment when he attempted to enter her classroom.
“He knocked on the door. I went up, I saw him holding a bag and just pulling the gun out,” Jones recounted, noting her decision to not let him in despite her teacher’s instruction. “If I would have opened the door, then he would have got every single one of us in that class… I thank God that I did not open that door.”
Gray soon moved on to another classroom, where Jones’ sister was located. It was in that room that the gunman fatally shot teacher Richard Aspinwall.
Malasia Mitchell, a student in that class, shared her emotional experience, describing the devastating scene as they dragged their wounded teacher’s body into the classroom.
“We heard him take his last breath,” she said, reflecting on the powerlessness she felt in that moment. Despite her CPR training, she was unable to assist her teacher and experienced a seizure due to the trauma.
The bravery of Jones, who prevented further casualties by her quick thinking, and Mitchell’s haunting memory of her teacher’s death have resonated deeply, sparking conversations about school safety and the emotional toll on students affected by gun violence.
One person commented as follows:
“Lord have mercy. They see their teacher shot, drag him into the classroom, then watched him take his last breath. She realized she couldn’t help him and had a seizure. Major trauma for every student. 💔”
Another warned:
“Our country is robbing our kids or their innocence and inner peace. Wake up America, before it’s too late. 🙏🏾❤️”
Aand another commentator felt it was unfair that an armed shooter like Gray would have his day in court while unarmed Black men and women die at the hands of police:
“And the armed shooter lived to have his day in court, while unarmed Black Women, Men and Children DO NOT‼️ #racisminamerica #justiceforsonyamassey #justiceforterellmiller,”
