Georgia Shooting: Father Arrested After Gift of AR-15 to Son Following FBI Warning

Kaylee Everhart

Updated Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

In a shocking turn of events, Colin Gray, a 54-year-old father from Georgia, has been arrested and charged following an incident where his 14-year-old son used an AR-15 rifle to shoot up a school, resulting in four fatalities. This incident has sparked widespread outrage and debate about gun control and parental responsibility.

The story began when the teenager was investigated and warned by the FBI for making threats to shoot up his school at the age of 13. Despite the clear red flags, Gray decided to gift his son an AR-15 rifle for Christmas. This decision has been heavily criticized by many, with one social media user commenting, "Nothing says 'peace on earth goodwill to men' like gifting a child an assault rifle."

The teenager, who has now been charged as an adult under Georgia law, managed to take the AR-15 to school and execute the horrific attack. The father’s actions have led to a significant backlash, with many arguing that he should be held accountable for his role in enabling the tragedy. One comment read, "Involuntary manslaughter? He was told his son had threatened the school and responded by giving him the tool he could use to follow through on that threat."

Gray has been charged with multiple offenses, and the community is calling for the maximum prison sentence possible. The sentiment is well-captured by a social media post that states, "Dad deserves the maximum prison sentence they can make stick."

The case has also highlighted the broader issues of gun control and the responsibilities of parents in monitoring and controlling access to firearms. A user pointed out, “You want to gift your teenager a handgun or rifle for hunting that stays locked up in your possession except when taken hunting or to the range to be used under parental supervision—that's one thing. But an AR? And how does a 14-year-old sneak away with it to take it to school? Clearly the dad is lying about access.”

This incident has ignited discussions about the cultural and systemic issues surrounding gun ownership and parental responsibility in America. As one user aptly put it, "Any of these three facts sounds so American. But all three together are like deep fried butter with ketchup and corn syrup."

The community hopes that this tragic event will lead to more stringent laws and better awareness about the dangers of irresponsible gun ownership. The actions of Colin Gray have not only led to a devastating loss of life but have also raised important questions about the role of parents in preventing such tragedies.

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View source: Imgur

Top Comments from Imgur

Zeckenschwarm

A tiny correction: He was 13 when he made those threats and was investigated last year.

bobgunrunnersmith

Nothing says "peace on earth goodwill to men" like gifting a child an assault rifle.

RawSuger

fair. im not generally keen on this trend of blaming the parents for a problem caused by policy but like...thats f***ed

Skuggen

Involuntary manslaughter? He was told his son had threatened the school and responded by giving him the tool he could use to follow through on that threat.

Zeckenschwarm

It seems the shooter is going to be tried as an adult, which Georgia law allows for certain crimes if the perpetrator is at least 13.

SubTrout

"Well yes, the cops did warn me that my teenager threatened to set fire to the school, so I did the logical thing and bought him matches and a gas can. How could I possibly have known?"

MyDogIsBiggerThanABanana

I just, I just can't... ffs

SLCtechie

But surely the dad was a drag queen. /s

brokehackfourlane

They named him Colt, more gun cult members.

Nic111111

I presume a Colin Gray is a Republican "Christian" white male with no criminal record except assaulting both his ex-wife and his girlfriend, plus one or two drink-driving counts. A pillar of his community.

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