Topline
Two kindergarten students were critically wounded in a shooting at a Christian elementary school in California on Wednesday, in a potentially religiously motivated incident in which the gunman was found dead with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
File Photo: Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said they have identified the gunman but cannot share … [+]
Key Facts
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Oroville, California—located around 65 miles north of Sacramento.
In a late evening press conference, Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea said the two wounded students—both boys aged 5 and 6—were transported to local hospitals and are in “extremely critical condition.”
“I am thankful that they are still alive, but they have a long road ahead of them,” Honea said about the wounded children.
The gunman was a male armed with a handgun, and Butte said they have identified him, but are not releasing the information to the public yet, as they are “still in the process of interviewing people who he may have been associated with.”
Authorities don’t believe the gunman had any links to the shooting victims, but believe he may have targeted the school “because of its affiliation with that particular religious organization.”
The gunman arrived at the school in an Uber, whose driver has been interviewed by the police, and even met with the school administrator to discuss enrolling a student at the school—although it is unclear if this was sincerely intended to enroll someone or simply used it as a reason to enter the premises.
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Crucial Quote
In a statement on X, California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote: “Heartbreaking. Once again, a community is shattered by senseless gun violence. Our hearts are with the children, their families, and everyone impacted by this horrific tragedy. To the survivors of gun violence: You are never alone. California stands with you.”
