A routine meeting at a small religious school in Northern California takes a horrific turn, leaving a community in shock and two kindergarten students battling critical injuries.
According to NBC News, a gunman opened fire at Feather River Adventist School near Palermo after meeting with the principal about student enrollment, critically wounding two boys aged 5 and 6 before taking his own life.
The incident unfolded around 1 p.m. Wednesday when shots rang out at the K-8 school, which serves approximately 35 students. Sheriff Kory L. Honea revealed that investigators believe the shooter specifically targeted the institution due to its religious affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Investigation Reveals Premeditated Attack Details
Law enforcement officials are working to determine whether the enrollment meeting was legitimate or merely a pretext to access the campus. The shooter, whose identity remains undisclosed pending ongoing interviews with associates, arrived at the school via Uber.
The meeting with the principal proceeded without incident, showing no signs of the violence to come. It wasn't until after the discussion concluded that the principal heard gunshots and screams, discovering the wounded students shortly after.
A sixth-grade student named Joselyn recounted the terrifying moments as the attack unfolded. She described seeing the shooter's shadow moving past windows and immediately urged her fellow students to run faster toward the gymnasium.
Emergency Response and Community Impact
First responders rushed to the scene after receiving cellphone 911 calls at approximately 1:08 p.m. California Highway Patrol officers arrived first, discovering the gunman deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound with a handgun nearby.
The two young victims were immediately transported to a hospital, where they remain in extremely critical condition. Sheriff Honea emphasized the severity of their injuries, expressing particular concern over the victims' young age and vulnerability.
The remaining students were safely secured in the school gymnasium until authorities coordinated their evacuation by bus to a nearby church in Oroville for a reunion with their parents. The incident prompted notifications to surrounding law enforcement agencies, though officials believe this was an isolated attack.
Multi Agency Investigation Underway
The FBI has joined local authorities in the investigation, with Special Agent Sid Patel stating their focus on understanding the shooter's motivation and ideology. Investigators have confirmed no connection between the gunman and his victims.
Multiple aspects of the investigation remain active, including interviews with the Uber driver who transported the shooter to the school. Law enforcement is particularly interested in any statements made during this journey that might shed light on the shooter's intentions.
Sheriff Honea shared his emotional response to the tragedy, stating:
When you're talking about little kids like this, who can't defend themselves, it really does tear at the heart.
Tragic Day Unfolds Into Complex Investigation
A shooting at Feather River Adventist School in Butte County has left two kindergarten students, ages 5 and 6, fighting for their lives after a gunman targeted the religious institution. The incident occurred following what appeared to be a routine enrollment meeting with the school principal.
The shooter, who arrived by Uber and had no connection to the victims, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. The FBI and local authorities are conducting a thorough investigation, focusing on the apparent targeting of the school due to its Seventh-day Adventist affiliation, while the community grapples with the impact of this devastating attack.
