In the small rural community of Palermo, California, a horrifying act of violence unfolded on the peaceful campus of the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists on Wednesday, shaking the tight-knit town to its core. A gunman critically injured two young kindergarten boys, ages 5 and 6, before taking his own life. Authorities later discovered the suspect’s body near the playground, lying alongside a handgun. The tragedy has left families, students, teachers, and law enforcement searching for answers as they come to terms with the devastating event.
The events began around 1 p.m. when the unidentified suspect arrived at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists, a small private K-8 institution with fewer than 40 students. According to Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea, the suspect arrived at the school via an Uber ride. The Uber driver, unaware of the suspect’s intentions, reportedly believed the man was visiting the school for legitimate reasons and has been cooperating with investigators. Upon arrival, the suspect entered the school building and engaged in what Sheriff Honea described as a “cordial” conversation with an administrator. The man claimed to be interested in enrolling a child at the school—a claim that has not been substantiated.
What seemed like a benign interaction quickly turned into chaos. Shortly after meeting with the administrator, the suspect produced a firearm and began shooting. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots echoing across the campus, sending students and staff into lockdown mode. Two young boys, Elias and another unidentified kindergarten classmate, were struck during the attack. Both children suffered life-threatening injuries and were quickly rushed to a trauma center in Sacramento. Meanwhile, law enforcement officers responded swiftly, securing the campus and moving students to safety.
The aftermath of the shooting revealed the extent of the injuries suffered by the two young victims. Elias, whose grandmother, Debbie Wolford, has been sharing updates on his condition, underwent emergency surgery to repair the extensive internal damage caused by the gunshot. In a public statement, Wolford described the severity of his injuries: “The bullet went through his lung, through his stomach, and clipped a bit of the pancreas. They performed an exploratory laparotomy to search for further damage. He now has a chest tube in place and may require further surgery.” While Elias is currently in stable condition in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, his recovery journey will be long and arduous.
The other young victim remains unnamed, and details about his condition have been scarce, though authorities have indicated that he, too, remains in critical care. Families, friends, and the local community have rallied to offer support for the victims and their loved ones. Messages of hope and prayers for recovery have flooded social media, with many expressing their heartbreak and disbelief over the incident.
As law enforcement continues to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy, questions about the gunman’s motive remain unanswered. Sheriff Honea has not ruled out the possibility of a hate crime, noting that the suspect may have targeted the school because of its religious affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. However, no direct connection has been found between the suspect and the school, its staff, or its students. Authorities are working diligently to identify the gunman and notify his next of kin before releasing his name to the public.
While the suspect’s motives remain unclear, the impact of the shooting has been immediate and profound. Students were ushered into the school gymnasium following the shooting, where they were kept safe while law enforcement ensured the campus was secure. They were later transported by bus to the Oroville Church of the Nazarene, where they were reunited with their families. The reunification process was emotional, with many parents overcome with relief and grief as they embraced their children. Pastor Travis Marshall of the Oroville Church of the Nazarene described the scene as heart-wrenching, recalling one parent’s reaction: “One woman raised her hands, praising the Lord, when she found her child.”
Among the students was sixth-grader Jocelyn Orlando, who shared her experience of the terrifying ordeal. “We were going in for lunch recess, and basically everybody in my classroom heard shooting,” Jocelyn said. “We all went into the office, closed the curtains, locked the doors, and did what we would do in a school shooting drill. Then one of the teachers came, and we all ran into the gym.” Jocelyn’s account highlights the frightening reality faced by students across the nation as active shooter drills have become a routine part of school life.
The Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists has served the Palermo community since its founding in 1965. It is affiliated with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, a Christian denomination that emphasizes biblical teachings and the imminent return of Christ. The school’s small size and close-knit community have made the tragedy even more deeply felt, with staff, students, and parents grappling with the senseless violence that has upended their lives.
In the wake of the shooting, local leaders and organizations have expressed their condolences and offered support to the grieving community. Assemblyman James Gallagher, who represents Palermo, issued a heartfelt statement: “My heart is breaking for everyone impacted by this 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.” Laurie Trujillo, a spokesperson for the Northern California Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, echoed these sentiments, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred today at our Feather River School. We are grateful to the sheriff’s office for acting quickly to protect the students.”
The tragedy at Feather River School is the latest in a growing list of school shootings across the United States, reigniting debates about gun control, mental health resources, and school safety. Palermo, a town of approximately 5,500 residents located 65 miles north of Sacramento, is now grappling with these broader societal issues while mourning the personal losses within their community.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the shooting to come forward. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized the importance of understanding the events leading up to the tragedy in order to provide closure to the victims and prevent future incidents.
In the meantime, the community has come together to support one another, with local churches, businesses, and residents offering resources and assistance to those affected. Vigils and prayer services have been held in honor of the victims, providing a space for collective mourning and reflection. The resilience of the Palermo community is evident in the outpouring of compassion and solidarity, as residents rally to help one another through this difficult time.
The lives of Elias, his classmate, and their families have been forever changed by the events of that afternoon. While the road to recovery will be long, the strength and support of their community will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their healing process. As Palermo mourns the loss of innocence and safety at one of its cherished institutions, the town remains united in its resolve to honor the victims and ensure that their stories are not forgotten.
The Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists will likely face a period of reflection and recovery as it works to rebuild trust and security within its walls. For the parents, teachers, and students who call the school home, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together in times of crisis.
In the days and weeks ahead, as the investigation unfolds and new details emerge, the community will continue to seek answers and justice for the victims. The hope is that through collective action and awareness, steps can be taken to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future, ensuring that schools remain places of learning, growth, and safety for generations to come.
