Two kindergarten-aged boys, ages 5 and 6, are in critical condition following a tragic shooting at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Palermo, California. The shooter, whose identity has not yet been released, died at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea.
Incident Overview
The shooting occurred shortly after 1 p.m. on the private Christian school campus, which serves fewer than 36 students. Located in a small community of about 5,500 people, 65 miles north of Sacramento, the school became the site of a devastating attack that authorities suspect may have been motivated by religious affiliation. However, Sheriff Honea noted that there is no evidence of the shooter having a prior connection to the victims or the school.
The gunman was reportedly dropped off at the school by an Uber driver and attended a meeting with an administrator about enrolling a child. According to Honea, the meeting was described as “cordial” but marked the shooter’s first visit to the school. Moments later, shots were fired.
The gunman’s body was later discovered near the playground area, alongside a handgun.
Victims and Immediate Response
The two injured boys, both kindergarteners, were rushed to a trauma center in Sacramento. Sheriff Honea described their condition as “extremely critical” but expressed hope for their recovery. “They’ve got a long road ahead of them,” he said.
In the aftermath, students were initially gathered in a gymnasium before being transported by bus to the Oroville Church of the Nazarene, where they were reunited with their families. Travis Marshall, the senior pastor of the church, described the emotional reunions, with some parents overcome with relief and gratitude.
Community Impact and Reactions
The incident has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community. Laurie Trujillo, a spokesperson for the Northern California Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, expressed deep sorrow and gratitude to law enforcement for their swift actions.
Assemblyman James Gallagher, who represents Palermo, released a statement reflecting on the tragedy: “As a community, we’ll all be hugging our loved ones closer today as we pray for the victims and try to make sense of something so senseless.”
Sixth-grader Jocelyn Orlando, who was on campus at the time, recounted the terrifying moments. “We heard shooting, and everyone was screaming,” she told CBS News Sacramento. She and her classmates followed active shooter protocols, locking doors and hiding until it was safe to evacuate.
Broader Context
The Feather River School shooting is the latest in a string of school shootings across the United States, reigniting debates over gun control and school safety. According to data from KFF, firearms have become the leading cause of death for children in recent years. Despite widespread calls for reform, significant changes to national gun laws remain elusive.
The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, which operates the Feather River School, is known for its emphasis on Christian education and community service. Established in 1965, the school has been a longstanding institution in the area.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are working to uncover more details about the gunman’s background and motives. Detectives are interviewing the Uber driver who transported the suspect and attempting to contact the shooter’s family. Sheriff Honea stated that it is too early to determine whether the incident qualifies as a hate crime or part of a larger agenda.
Senseless Violence
As the investigation continues, the community of Palermo is grappling with the trauma of this senseless act of violence. The road to recovery will be long for the young victims and their families, but the resilience of the community is evident in the swift response and outpouring of support.
