A gunman opened fire at a Christian school in California, leaving two kindergarteners in critical condition and a community in shock.
A small Christian school in Palermo, California, became the scene of a devastating tragedy on Wednesday when a gunman opened fire, critically injuring two young boys, ages 5 and 6. The shooter, whose motives remain unclear, was later found dead near the school playground from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The shooting occurred at Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists, a private K-8 school with fewer than 36 students. Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea revealed that the shooter arrived on campus via an Uber ride and had a meeting with an administrator about enrolling a child. Authorities are investigating whether this was a genuine intention or a ruse to gain access to the campus.
“We’re working to determine whether this was part of a larger scheme or possibly a hate crime,” Honea said during a press conference.
Moments of Terror
Students and staff described moments of chaos and fear as gunfire erupted. Jocelyn Orlando, a sixth grader, recalled hearing shots during lunch recess. “Everybody was screaming,” she said. “We ran into the office, locked the doors, and closed the curtains.” Eventually, students were moved to a gymnasium and later transported to the Oroville Church of the Nazarene to reunite with their families.
Deputies on the scene provided first aid to the two injured boys before they were rushed to a local hospital. Sheriff Honea confirmed they remain in “extremely critical condition.”
Community in Mourning
California Governor Gavin Newsom called the incident “heartbreaking” in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “Once again, a community is shattered by senseless gun violence,” he wrote, expressing support for the victims and their families.
The shooting has reignited calls for stricter gun control and prompted an outpouring of grief and frustration across the state. The Feather River School community, reeling from the tragedy, is left grappling with how to move forward.
Unanswered Questions
Authorities are piecing together the shooter’s background and potential motives. The Uber driver who transported him to the school is cooperating with detectives. A handgun was recovered near the shooter’s body, but no further details about his identity or connection to the school have been released.
As the investigation continues, the small town of Palermo is united in its prayers for the two young boys fighting for their lives and for healing in the aftermath of this harrowing event.
