Two people were killed while two others are in critical condition after gunfire erupted at a northern Nevada middle school Monday morning.
A gunman at Sparks Middle School was killed along with a second unidentified victim, RGJ.com reports. Among those injured at the school is a 12-year-old boy. A Renown Regional Hospital spokeswoman reported that the two victims hospitalized are described as two male minors.
The school, which is located in Sparks, Nev., just east of Reno, was placed in lockdown around 7:16 a.m. PDT after the first 911 call came in, said a Sparks police dispatcher. The shooting occurred in a classroom, just before classes were starting.
Authorities said they "believe the suspect has been neutralized," reports ABC News.
The school was shut down and students were evacuated to nearby Agnes Risley Elementary School before being bused to Sparks High School, according to the Washoe County School District in a statement released around 8:30 a.m. local time. Authorities held a 9:15 a.m. press conference at Agnes Risley Elementary School.
Reno Deputy Chief Tom Robinson said there were 150 to 200 personnel that secured the school and the surrounding area. The investigation has gone from tactical to investigative.
Robinson, reassured parents that their children are safe during the press conference, saying, "I can tell them to rest assured. The schools are safe. The rest of the city is safe."
Governor Brian Sandoval issued the following statement in regard to the shooting:
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the horrific shooting at Sparks Middle School this morning. My administration is receiving regular updates and the Nevada Highway Patrol is assisting at the scene. Kathleen and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims and those affected by these tragic events."
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