Feather River Adventist School shooting: Shooting Leaves One Student Dead, Another Critically Injured; Suspect in Critical Condition After Self-Inflicted Gunshot
Incident Overview
Feather River Adventist School in Oroville, California, became the site of a tragic shooting that left one child dead and another critically injured on Tuesday afternoon. The incident unfolded rapidly, with staff moving swiftly to gather students into the cafeteria for safety as first responders flooded the scene.
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) confirmed the situation was contained, and a massive emergency response ensued, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, air medical units, and firefighters. The suspected shooter, who reportedly turned the gun on himself after the attack, is in critical condition.
This shocking incident has left a close-knit community reeling and raised urgent questions about school safety, mental health resources, and gun violence.
Timeline of Events
Initial Reports and Immediate Response
At approximately 12:45 PM, calls began pouring into 911 reporting an active shooter at Feather River Adventist School, located on Cox Lane. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as staff members herded frightened children into the cafeteria, locking doors and securing entry points.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Butte County Sheriff’s Office were first to respond, quickly dispatching officers and setting up a perimeter around the school. A CHP helicopter, H20, was mobilized to provide aerial surveillance and aid in the search for additional threats.
As law enforcement secured the scene, first responders focused on triaging the victims. Reports indicated two injured children, though details about their conditions were unclear at first. By 1:00 PM, an air ambulance was ordered, and preparations for a landing zone at the back of the school began.
Medical Response and Victim Transport
One of the first victims identified was 8-year-old Emma Rodriguez, a third-grader known for her vibrant personality and love of reading. Emma was critically injured in the shooting and transported under Code 3 conditions (lights and sirens) to Rideout Hospital. Tragically, she was later pronounced dead.
The second victim, 10-year-old Mason Carter, suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to Enloe Medical Center in Chico by Enloe FlightCare. Mason, described as a “bright, caring” student by his teachers, remains in critical condition.
The shooter, identified as a 16-year-old former student of the school, sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was stabilized on-site before being transported to a trauma center under guarded conditions.
Law Enforcement and School Evacuation
As the medical response unfolded, CHP helicopter H24 began aerial surveillance to rule out the possibility of additional threats in nearby orchards and surrounding areas. Officers found 9 mm ammunition at the scene, confirming the caliber of the weapon used in the attack.
To ensure the safety of the remaining students, school buses were dispatched to evacuate them to a secure location. Parents were instructed to reunite with their children at the Church of the Nazarene, a local congregation approximately three miles from the school.
Authorities also moved to shut down traffic in the area, closing Lone Tree Road, Cox Lane, and Powerhouse Hill Road. Southbound traffic to Highway 70 was halted to facilitate the investigation and prevent unauthorized access.
The Shooter: A Troubled Past
Preliminary investigations have identified the suspected shooter as 16-year-old Logan Myers, a former student at Feather River Adventist School. Logan had reportedly withdrawn from the school two years earlier due to behavioral issues.
According to classmates, Logan struggled with social isolation and exhibited warning signs of distress, including frequent outbursts and fascination with firearms. A neighbor, speaking anonymously, described him as a “quiet, troubled teen” who often practiced shooting in his backyard.
Law enforcement confirmed that Logan used a 9 mm handgun in the attack. Investigators are working to determine how he obtained the weapon, as California law prohibits minors from purchasing or possessing firearms.
Community Impact and Grief
The tight-knit Feather River Adventist School community is in mourning. The school, which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade, is known for its focus on faith-based education and close teacher-student relationships.
A vigil was held Tuesday evening at the Church of the Nazarene, where parents, students, and community members gathered to honor Emma Rodriguez and pray for Mason Carter’s recovery. The church was filled with tearful tributes, as classmates shared memories of Emma’s kindness and Mason’s sense of humor.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said Maria Carter, Mason’s mother. “Our children are supposed to be safe at school. This shouldn’t happen anywhere, let alone in a small community like ours.”
School Safety and Broader Implications
The tragedy at Feather River Adventist School has reignited urgent conversations about school safety, mental health resources, and the proliferation of firearms in the United States.
Security Measures Under Scrutiny
While the school had basic security protocols in place, including regular lockdown drills, it lacked armed personnel or advanced surveillance systems. This has led to calls for increased funding for school safety, including metal detectors and on-site security officers.
Mental Health Resources
Experts emphasize the importance of identifying and addressing warning signs in troubled youth. Dr. Emily Harris, a child psychologist, noted, “This incident underscores the need for robust mental health support in schools. Early intervention can prevent these tragedies.”
Feather River Adventist School has announced plans to provide grief counseling for students and staff in the coming weeks.
Ongoing Investigation
The Butte County Sheriff’s Office and CHP continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities are analyzing Logan Myers’ digital footprint, including social media activity and online forums, for potential motives or warning signs.
A Call to Action
The Feather River Adventist School shooting serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by educational institutions and the broader societal challenges posed by gun violence. As the community mourns the loss of Emma Rodriguez and rallies for Mason Carter’s recovery, there is a renewed determination to prevent such tragedies in the future.
For now, the focus remains on healing and ensuring the safety and well-being of the students who lived through this harrowing ordeal.
