Two people are dead and several critically injured in a school shooting this morning at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, California , NBC News reports the suspect, a 16-year-old Asian male student at the school, has been arrested.
Authorities said during a news conference that the boy’s birthday was today and that he used a .45 caliber gun which was found with zero rounds in it. They say school security footage shows the boy pulling out his weapon and shooting five people before shooting himself in the head. One of the students who died is described as a 16-year-old female student. The suspect is in grave condition.
According to NBC News, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Office tweeted just before 8 a.m. PST to avoid the area of Saugus High School.
This morning, The New York Times reported local news outlets have put the number of injured victims between 3 and 7. They added that The Associated Press said officials reported 6 injuries. NBC LA originally reported that 3 of the 6 victims who were taken to the hospital were in critical condition. Now, two are dead and the suspect remains in grave condition.
In their initial tweet, the Los Angeles County Sherrif Department described the suspect as being dressed in all black. Multiple sources, including The Los Angeles Times, reported that the suspect is a 15-year-old boy. NBC LA reports that officials say he is a member of the student body at Saugus High School.
Officials have now confirmed that the suspect is a 16-year-old Asian male. Authorities say that students helped identify the suspect and a search was conducted at the boy’s home.
After the gunfire, NBC News said authorities searched for the suspect not realizing he was among the six people reported to be injured. He is currently in grave condition at the hospital.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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