Apalachee High School shooting — verified updates and help

If you’re worried, confused, or trying to help someone after the Apalachee High School shooting, start with reliable information and clear steps. This tag page collects our coverage, tips for staying safe, ways to support affected families, and how to verify news on social media. We want to help you act, not panic.

We update this page with the latest confirmed reports, official statements, and notices from the school district and local authorities. If you see dramatic claims on social apps, check official channels first: the school district website, the county sheriff or police department, and local hospital bulletins. We link to those sources in our posts so you don’t have to hunt for trustworthy info.

What to do right now

If you are at or near the school: follow directions from law enforcement and school staff. If authorities tell you to shelter in place or evacuate, do it quickly and calmly. Keep your phone on silent but reachable, and only make necessary calls so emergency lines stay open.

If you have a child at the school: contact the school’s main line or the district’s emergency hotline for reunification instructions. Don’t rely on hearsay from social media — use the official channels the school uses for emergency communication. Bring ID and any required documents to reunification sites.

If you’re away from the scene but worried about friends or family: check official social posts and the school district’s notices first. If you can’t reach someone, call local hospitals and the non-emergency police number — they can confirm where victims were taken or whether the person is safe.

Support and resources

Emotional support matters. If you or someone you care about is struggling emotionally, contact local mental health services or a crisis line immediately. In the U.S., dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re elsewhere, use your country’s mental health hotline or contact your doctor for referrals to counselors experienced with trauma.

Want to help the community? Support verified relief funds or local organizations managing victim support. Avoid sending cash to unverified GoFundMe pages—check with the school district or local nonprofits first. Volunteer time only through established community centers and official channels.

Be careful on social media. Don’t reshare graphic images or unverified personal details. Verify photos with reverse image search and check timestamps. Look for official badges on accounts or statements linked from the school district’s website.

If you have tips or eyewitness info that could help law enforcement, contact the police department’s tip line rather than posting details online. For media inquiries or to share verified local updates with our newsroom, use the contact link in our site header. We’ll keep this tag updated with confirmed developments, community resources, and our reporting on the response from schools and officials.

Stay safe, check official sources, and reach out for support if you need it.