A gunman injured two children at a California Christian school on Wednesday before taking his own life in an attack apparently motivated by the school's religious affiliation, a county sheriff said. . The gunman, whose name has not yet been released, met with school officials at Feather River Adventist School in Butte County, California, and admitted a family member before opening fire and killing two children. Butte County Sheriff Cory Honia told the media at a press conference that he wanted to do so. press conference. The two kindergarten children are said to be in “extremely dangerous condition.”
Feather River is a Seventh-day Adventist school located about an hour north of Sacramento.
“Through our partnership with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we received information that led us to believe that the shooter targeted this school,” Honea said.
Mr Honea called on the public to keep the two children in their “thoughts and prayers”.
“We are still interviewing people who may have been associated with him,” Honea said. “…We are essentially working to reconstruct this person's activities today and throughout the past.”
Honea said the gunman arrived at the school to attend a meeting.
“He made an appointment to come to the school and meet with the administrator,” he said. “His statement to school officials was that he would like to consider the possibility of enrolling his family as a student in the school. He did meet with the school administration. I was told that the meeting was amicable. There was no meeting.'' Administrators had concerns about the meeting. ”
The gunman then opened fire.
The sheriff added that law enforcement is investigating whether the meeting was a “ruse to infiltrate the campus” or whether there was an actual interest in registering families.
After the shooting, “he appears to have taken his own life.”
After the shooting, about 35 students were taken to a safe location at the church.
Feather River is a kindergarten through eighth grade school that provides “education in a Christ-filled environment,” according to its website.
“The Feather River Adventist School family exists to show children Jesus, to foster love for Him and others, to teach them to think, and to empower them to serve.” It's written on the website.
WATCH: Developing | Butte County Sheriff Cory Honea shares update on shooting incident
Prayer for Feather River Adventist School
Heavenly Father,
We come before you with heavy hearts as we mourn the children, families and communities affected by this senseless act of violence. Lord, we raise up our precious wounded children and ask for your miraculous healing and strength to sustain them. Comfort your family with your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and surround them with your love and support during this unimaginably difficult time.
Father, we pray for the entire Feather River Adventist School community that You will continue to be their refuge and strength during this difficult time. May your presence bring light in the midst of darkness, bringing unity and hope to this grieving community. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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michael faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Chronicle, Toronto Star, and Knoxville News Sentinel.
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