Gunman Shoots 2 Students, Ages 5 and 6, at Rural California School

A gunman shot two young students, aged 5 and 6, at a small religious school in rural California on Wednesday afternoon before taking his own life, authorities believe. The incident occurred at Feather River Adventist School in Oroville, about 60 miles north of Sacramento, according to a spokesperson for the Butte County Sheriff’s Office.

Responding to a 911 call at 1:09 p.m., law enforcement officers arrived at the school shortly after the shots were fired, said Megan McMann, a spokeswoman for the sheriff’s office.https://wordpress.com/

Preliminary information suggests that the shooter had come to the campus to meet with the principal about the possibility of enrolling a student. Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea told reporters in the evening that after the meeting concluded, the principal heard gunshots followed by screams.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found the gunman, an adult male, lying on the ground with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No additional information about the gunman’s identity has been released. While Sheriff Honea stated that there appeared to be no known connection between the gunman and the school, he added that the investigation was still in its early stages and the motive for the attack remains unclear.

One of the injured students was flown by helicopter to a hospital, while the other was transported by ground, McMann confirmed. Both children were receiving treatment Wednesday night, but their identities and conditions were not immediately disclosed. Authorities believe no one else was hurt in the incident.

The school, which serves around 35 students in grades K-8, temporarily relocated other students to the gymnasium after the authorities arrived. They were later taken to a church about 10 miles away, where parents were asked to pick them up.

The FBI is assisting with the ongoing investigation.

Peyton Sherwood, who works near the school, reported seeing several helicopters circling overhead, with at least one landing nearby. He also noted the presence of numerous sheriff’s vehicles outside the school.

Elizabeth Lepe Arredondo, a former teacher at Feather River and parent of students at the school, described the institution as a close-knit, community-oriented environment with a strong connection to the values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which operates the school.

“It was a very small school, very close-knit, very beautiful,” Ms. Lepe Arredondo said. She emphasized the personal attention students received due to the small class sizes, making it an ideal setting for teaching.

Sports played a significant role in the school’s culture as well. Every Saturday during her tenure, Ms. Lepe Arredondo would open the gym for local families to enjoy basketball, volleyball, and ping-pong. The school continues to host such community events today.

Reflecting on her time at Feather River, Ms. Lepe Arredondo called it the best job she had ever had. “It was one of those experiences that truly left a lasting impression on me,” she said.