Oroville, California, school shooting: 2 kindergartners wounded and a suspect is dead, sheriff says – News Directory 3
Oroville, California – Two kindergarten students remain in extremely critical condition after a shooting at a private school north of Sacramento on Wednesday, authorities reported. The boys, aged 5 and 6, were swiftly taken to local hospitals following the tragic incident at Feather River Adventist School in Oroville.
“I’m thankful that they are still alive, but they have a long road ahead of them,” Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea stated during an evening news conference.
The suspected gunman was found dead at the scene from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Honea. The identity of the shooter is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, while the FBI is assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Earlier that day, the suspect had attended a meeting with a school administrator to inquire about enrolling a family member. No red flags were raised during this meeting, and authorities are looking into whether it was a pretext allowing him access to the school.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the small community of Oroville, where parents and community members gathered outside the school, anxiously awaiting news about the injured children. Grief counselors are being provided for students and staff impacted by this tragedy.
The shooting has reignited national concern regarding gun control and school safety, adding to the continuing discussion surrounding gun violence in educational settings.
Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea confirmed that the shooting took place just after 1:08 p.m. local time. A California Highway Patrol officer was among the first responders, arriving to find a handgun near the body of the suspect.
“Deputies arrived shortly after and promptly began providing first aid to the two wounded students,” Honea explained. The students have since been transported to a local hospital for treatment, though their conditions remain undisclosed.
In a rapid response, remaining students were evacuated from the school and taken by bus to a nearby church to be reunited with their families.
“This is a horrific tragedy for our community,” Sheriff Honea added, emphasizing the need for vigilance among law enforcement to ensure the safety of schools associated with the church.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel stated that investigators are working to unravel the motive of the shooter. “We are looking into the ‘entire workup’ of the subject to get a better understanding of his motivation and ideology,” Patel noted during the press briefing.
The Butte County District Attorney, Mike Ramsey, pointed out the significant impact this tragedy will have on the students and the entire community, noting, “The effects will linger for weeks and even months, especially on those who witnessed the violence.”
Feather River Adventist School, with around 35 students, is part of a network of Adventist schools across the country. This incident has renewed communities’ concerns about safety and the ongoing problem of gun violence in schools.
As Oroville grapples with the aftermath of this distressing event, the situation remains fluid. Local officials and community leaders are actively providing support to those affected. A spokesperson for the Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists expressed, “We are deeply saddened by this incident and encourage everyone to extend prayers to these children and their families.”
The shooting highlights critical vulnerabilities within educational settings, prompting experts to call for better safety protocols in schools. The incident adds yet another chapter to the national discourse on the urgent need for comprehensive gun control and preventive measures.
In light of these tragic events, it remains essential that communities unite, providing hope and support during this deeply troubling period, while also fostering a culture of safety for all students.
