Two kindergarten students from a school in Northern California are currently in critical but stable condition after a shooting incident on Wednesday. Local officials provided this update on Thursday, December 5.
The injured children, aged 5 and 6, were initially reported to be in extremely critical condition following the shooting at Feather River Adventist School in Oroville. Sheriff Kory Honea shared this information with the media shortly after the event.
As of Thursday, one of the victims has been identified as Roman Mendez, a 6-year-old boy. Reports indicate that he suffered injuries to his chest and back. His family has been in contact with media outlets to provide updates on his condition. Roman’s twin brother also attends the school and witnessed the shocking event unfold.
Sheriff Honea expressed gratitude that the children are alive but emphasized that they have a long recovery ahead of them. During a press conference, he informed the public about the ongoing investigation into the shooting.
Authorities are still working to understand why a man opened fire at the school after he had met with school staff regarding enrolling his own child. Sheriff Honea suggested that the school may have been a target due to its religious association with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Emergency services received a 911 call around 1 p.m. on the day of the shooting. When law enforcement arrived, they discovered the alleged shooter had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The suspect has been identified by investigators, though their name has not yet been released.
The Feather River Adventist School has around 35 students enrolled. Located about 70 miles north of Sacramento, Oroville is a small city that is now facing the impact of this tragic event.
Oroville Mayor David Pittman shared his condolences, stating that the community’s thoughts and prayers are with the victims. He noted that the incident has left students, staff, and families deeply traumatized, and he lamented that schools must always be prepared for such events, even though they hope they never happen.
