PALERMO, Calif. — Two young students were hurt and a suspected gunman is dead after a school shooting in Palermo.
According to the sheriff’s office, the shooting happened at Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said reports came in around 1 p.m. about an active shooter on campus.
Honea said the California Highway Patrol was the first to arrive at the scene and was guided by school staff to the area where the suspected gunman was. He said it appears the gunman shot and killed himself. A gun was found nearby and secured by authorities. First aid was also provided to the wounded students.
Citing the preliminary investigation, he said the suspect possibly came onto campus to meet with an administrator about enrolling a student, but deputies haven't confirmed whether he actually wanted to enroll a student or used it as a ruse to get onto the campus.
According to Honea, the administrator said there was no reason to be concerned based on the meeting and described the meeting as "cordial." However, he said not long after the meeting, the administrator heard shots being fired and screams.
Two Kindergarten students, a 5-year-old boy and 6-year-old boy, were shot and wounded. Both are hospitalized in extremely critical condition, according to Honea.
The remaining 35 students were taken to the school gym until a bus arrived to take them to the Oroville Church of the Nazarene on Monte Vista Avenue.
Honea said law enforcement believe they know who the shooter is, but they are not releasing his identity with interviews still going on. He added the shooting may have been targeted and related to the school's affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Out of an abundance of caution, Honea said law enforcement across California were notified to be vigilant in making sure their locations are safe.
Honea said the suspect was dropped off at the school by a rideshare service. Deputies found the driver and are doing interviews.
The FBI is assisting the Butte County Sheriff's Office with its investigation. Both are trying to piece together what the person did that day and in the days prior leading up to the shooting.
