A tragic shooting at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Palermo, California, has left two young children in “extremely critical condition” and claimed the life of the gunman in what authorities believe was a self-inflicted wound.
The attack occurred on Wednesday afternoon at the small private religious K-8 school, which serves fewer than three dozen students. Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea stated that the gunman, who was not connected to the school or its students, may have targeted the institution due to its religious affiliation. However, the motive remains unclear.
The Incident
Authorities report that the gunman arrived at the school via Uber and initially engaged in what was described as a “cordial” meeting with an administrator about enrolling a child. Shortly after, the situation escalated, and gunfire erupted.
The victims, two boys aged five and six, are kindergarten students at the school. They were transported to a Sacramento-area trauma center and are fighting for their lives. Sheriff Honea expressed cautious hope, stating, “I am thankful that they’re still alive, but they’ve got a long road ahead of them.”
The gunman’s body was discovered near the school’s playground, alongside a handgun. His identity is being withheld until authorities can notify his family.
Community Reactions
The Northern California Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the events, while also commending law enforcement for their swift action in ensuring the safety of other students.
Travis Marshall, senior pastor at the Oroville Church of the Nazarene, described an emotional scene as parents reunited with their children after the tragedy. “Some of the children were incredibly emotional,” he said, adding that many parents expressed relief and gratitude for their child’s safety.
Sixth grader Jocelyn Orlando recounted the harrowing experience to CBS News, saying, “We heard shooting, and most people were screaming. We locked the doors, closed the curtains, and did what we would do in a school shooting drill.”
The Broader Context
The shooting adds to a grim tally of school shootings across the United States, sparking renewed discussions on gun violence and school safety. According to research by KFF, firearms were the leading cause of death among children in 2020 and 2021, yet meaningful changes to national gun laws remain elusive.
Assemblyman James Gallagher, representing the Palermo area, voiced the collective grief of the community. “Our hearts are breaking for everyone impacted by this tragedy,” he said, calling for reflection and unity in the face of senseless violence.
Moving Forward
As investigators work to piece together the gunman’s motivations, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families. The Feather River School, which has been a cornerstone of the Seventh-Day Adventist community since 1965, faces the challenge of healing in the wake of this devastating incident.
Source: Swifteradio.Swifteradio.com
