UPDATE
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A sixth-grade girl brought a gun to her Idaho middle school, shot and wounded two students and a custodian and then was disarmed by a teacher Thursday, authorities said.
The three were shot in their extremities and were expected to survive, officials said at a news conference. Jefferson County Sheriff Steve Anderson says the girl pulled a handgun from her backpack and fired multiple rounds inside and outside Rigby Middle School in the small city of Rigby, about 95 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of Yellowstone National Park.
A female teacher disarmed the girl and held her until law enforcement arrived and took her into custody, authorities said, without giving other details. Authorities say they’re investigating the motive for the attack and where the girl got the gun.
“Today we had the worst nightmare a school district could encounter. We had a school shooting here at Rigby Middle School,” Jefferson School District Superintendent Chad Martin said. “What we know so far is the shooter has been apprehended. There is no further threat to the students.”
Prayers
“I am praying for the lives and safety of those involved in today’s tragic events,” Gov. Brad Little said in a prepared statement. “Thank you to our law enforcement agencies and school leaders for their efforts in responding to the incident.”
Thoughts
“We send positive thoughts to the victims of this tragic incident and hope for their full and rapid recovery. Patience will need to be at a premium while school officials and law enforcement agencies investigate the situation,” Idaho Education Association, Layne McInelly said in a statement.
More prayers
“My prayers are with those injured this morning,” said Sherri Ybarra, the Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction, in an emailed statement. “I am grateful to our first responders and school staff who are working to deal with this terrible incident.”
Other elected officials responded to the shooting on social media.
Prayers and thoughts
“Idahoans want to help. Showing up is NOT helpful. Praying and sending good thoughts is NEVER inappropriate,” Rebecca Noah Casper, mayor of nearby Idaho Falls tweeted.
