Two kindergarten students are in critical condition following a shooting at Feather River Adventist School in Oroville, California, on Wednesday (December 4). The gunman, who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, targeted the small Christian school north of Sacramento, according to authorities.
The boys, aged five and six, are receiving treatment at a Sacramento trauma center. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea reported that the suspect, who had no known connection to the school or victims, may have targeted the school due to its religious affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The suspect attended a meeting with a school administrator earlier that day to discuss enrolling a family member, but no concerns were raised at the time.
The shooting occurred shortly after 1 p.m., and authorities received calls about an active shooter at 1:08 p.m. A state highway patrol officer arrived within two minutes, finding the suspect's body near playground equipment with a handgun nearby. Sheriff’s deputies provided first aid to the wounded students before transporting the remaining students to a nearby church for reunification with their families.
Laurie Trujillo, a spokesperson for the Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, expressed deep sadness over the events and gratitude for the quick response of law enforcement.
The investigation, assisted by the FBI, is ongoing as authorities work to understand the suspect's motivations. Meanwhile, the community is rallying around the affected families, with local leaders and residents offering support and prayers for the victims.