Feather River School: Gunman Targets Religious K-8 Campus in Palermo, Critically Injures Two Young Boys, Ages 5 and 6, Before Taking His Own Life
Detailed Account of the Shooting Incident at Feather River School
On Wednesday afternoon, a devastating shooting unfolded at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists, a small religious K-8 school nestled in the rural community of Palermo, California. Two young boys, 5-year-old Elias Wolford and a 6-year-old classmate whose name has not been released by authorities, were critically injured during the violent attack. The perpetrator, an unidentified adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, ending the horrific episode.
The serene campus, which serves fewer than three dozen students, turned into a site of chaos and fear shortly after 1 p.m., as the gunman opened fire following a meeting with a school administrator. Both children were quickly rushed to a trauma center in Sacramento, where they remain in critical condition. Family members and the close-knit school community are reeling from the incident, grappling with shock, grief, and unanswered questions about the attacker’s motives.
Chronology of the Tragedy
The Shooter’s Arrival
Authorities report that the gunman arrived at the school via Uber. The driver, whose identity is being withheld, is cooperating with law enforcement as investigators work to piece together the shooter’s actions and mental state leading up to the attack. Sheriff Kory L. Honea of the Butte County Sheriff’s Office shared that the suspect initially requested to meet with a school administrator, ostensibly to discuss enrolling a child at the institution.
The meeting, described by witnesses as “cordial,” lasted a few minutes and gave no indication of the violence that was about to erupt. Following the conversation, the gunman left the administrative office and made his way toward the campus grounds, where students were engaged in outdoor activities.
The Attack
Witnesses report that the shooter, armed with a handgun, began firing indiscriminately near the kindergarten play area. Both Elias Wolford and the 6-year-old victim were struck multiple times. Staff members immediately called 911 and attempted to shield the children from further harm, guiding others to safety.
One teacher, whose heroic actions likely prevented additional injuries, reportedly rushed toward the shooter to distract him before he could inflict further damage. The confrontation allowed other staff members to move children indoors and secure the facility.
Within minutes of the attack beginning, the gunman turned the weapon on himself, ending the rampage. First responders arrived to find the two children critically injured and the shooter deceased.
Victims’ Conditions and Medical Response
Elias Wolford’s Battle for Survival
Among the victims was 5-year-old Elias Wolford, a beloved kindergartener known for his cheerful demeanor and love of animals. Elias sustained life-threatening injuries, with a bullet piercing his lung, stomach, and pancreas. He underwent emergency surgery late Wednesday afternoon, during which doctors performed an exploratory laparotomy to assess internal damage.
Elias’s grandmother, Debbie Wolford, shared an emotional update on his condition via social media:
“Elias is out of surgery… they are stopping by CT and heading to the PICU. The bullet went through his lung, through his stomach, and clipped a bit of the pancreas. We are so thankful for the surgeons and everyone praying for him.”
The second victim, a 6-year-old boy, also suffered critical injuries, though details about his condition have not yet been publicly disclosed. He remains in intensive care alongside Elias. Doctors describe their prognoses as uncertain, emphasizing the lengthy recovery process that lies ahead.
Motive Under Investigation
The gunman’s motives remain unclear. Sheriff Honea indicated that investigators are exploring whether the attack was motivated by religious bias or personal grievances, but no evidence has been found linking the shooter to the school, its staff, or its students.
“Whether or not this is a hate crime or part of some larger scheme, I don’t have enough information at this point to provide an answer,” Honea stated during a press briefing.
Authorities are examining the shooter’s background, including any online activity, personal relationships, and mental health history, to identify potential warning signs. Witness accounts and evidence collected from the scene will also play a crucial role in understanding the events that led to the tragedy.
Community and Family Reactions
The tight-knit community of Palermo, a small town of fewer than 6,000 residents, is struggling to come to terms with the violence. The Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists, known for its focus on faith-based education and nurturing environment, has never experienced an incident of this magnitude.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders have expressed an outpouring of support for the victims’ families. A candlelight vigil is being organized for Thursday evening to pray for Elias, the other young victim, and the entire school community.
Debbie Wolford, speaking on behalf of Elias’s family, thanked the community for its prayers and support. She urged everyone to continue keeping both boys in their thoughts as they fight for their lives.
“We’re holding onto faith and hope,” she said. “Elias is a fighter, and we believe in the power of prayer.”
School Safety and Broader Implications
The shooting has reignited conversations about school safety, particularly in small, rural schools that often lack the resources to implement extensive security measures. Feather River School, like many others in similar communities, does not have a dedicated security presence on campus.
Parents and educators are calling for increased vigilance and resources to prevent similar incidents. Law enforcement agencies have pledged to review safety protocols and provide guidance to local schools.
A Nation Mourns and Reflects
This incident marks yet another tragedy in the growing epidemic of gun violence affecting schools across the United States. Advocates for stricter gun control measures argue that incidents like the Feather River School shooting underscore the urgent need for legislative action.
As the community of Palermo grapples with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, the nation watches with a mix of sorrow and frustration, reflecting on the lives impacted and the systemic changes needed to prevent future tragedies.
Conclusion
The Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists will remain closed for the remainder of the week as investigators continue their work and the community begins the healing process. A fund has been established to support the medical expenses of Elias Wolford and the other young victim, with donations pouring in from across the state.
The small school’s motto, “Faith, Love, and Learning,” takes on renewed significance as students, staff, and families cling to their faith in the face of unimaginable pain. For Elias, his 6-year-old classmate, and their families, the road to recovery will be long, but the resilience and love of their community offer a beacon of hope amidst the darkness.
