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A school shooting in California has left two kindergarten boys critically injured.

What’s the deal: According to authorities, the shooting occurred at the Feather River Adventist School, a small K-8 private school affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Palermo, California. The incident unfolded after the suspect, who had no prior connection to the school or its students, met with the principal under the pretense of enrolling a family member. Shortly after the meeting concluded, gunshots were heard, and two kindergarten boys, aged 5 and 6, were critically wounded. The suspect was later found deceased near the school’s playground from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, with a handgun recovered at the scene.

Investigators believe the school was deliberately targeted due to its religious affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a Protestant Christian denomination. The shooter’s actions appeared calculated, with officials working to determine whether the enrollment meeting was a scheme to gain access to the campus. The school has been operational since 1965 and serves a small community with only 33 students. Law enforcement, including the FBI, is conducting a full investigation into the shooter’s background and motives to understand the ideology or grievances that may have led to the attack.

In a statement, Sid Patel, special agent in charge of the FBI’s office in Sacramento, said, “We’re doing an entire work-up of the subject to get a better understanding of his motivation, ideology — what else could help understand today’s situation and incident.”

California governor reacts: In a statement, California Governor Gavin Newsom said, “Heartbreaking. Once again, a community is shattered by senseless gun violence. Our hearts are with the children, their families, and everyone impacted by this horrific tragedy. To the survivors of gun violence: You are never alone. California stands with you.”