Viral Image of Hooded Figure with Weapon Misidentified as Georgia Shooting Suspect

Posts circulating on social media falsely claim that an image of a hooded figure represents the suspect in the Apalachee High School shooting. This picture originates from a training document aimed at educating people about responding to active threats.

On September 4, four individuals lost their lives and nine sustained injuries in a tragic shooting incident at Apalachee High School located in Winder, Georgia. Law enforcement officials confirmed the arrest of a male suspect, and it remains unclear whether he is a student of the school.

In the aftermath of the shooting, various social media users shared what they described as the “first photo” of the shooter. However, skepticism arose in the comments, with many questioning the authenticity of the image.

The investigation into the image revealed that it does not depict the shooter. According to information from authorities reported by CNN and ABC News, a 14-year-old is in custody, but no images of the suspect have been publicly released.

Using a reverse image search tool, VERIFY connected the image to an active shooter response presentation developed by Reflex Protect, a safety company specializing in non-lethal defense tactics. Notably, the false claim’s image appears on slide 15 of this presentation, focusing on identifying physical indicators during an active threat scenario.

In situations like these, where misinformation can proliferate rapidly, it is crucial to verify sources before sharing information. The VERIFY team offers several recommendations:

1. Assess the credibility of the source. Are they reliable?

2. Investigate the authorship of the content.

3. Determine potential biases.

4. Check if the source has a history of disseminating misinformation.

5. Confirm the timeliness of the information. Are multiple reputable outlets reporting the same story?

6. Conduct a reverse image search, particularly if an image may be linked to other events or situations.

7. Take a moment to consider your emotions before sharing potentially distressing information, as misinformation often thrives in moments of heightened emotions.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before amplifying it, particularly in high-stakes situations. The Associated Press contributed to this report.