Idaho school on lockdown as 'active shooter' opens fire on students – several wounded
MULTIPLE people have been wounded after a shooter opened fire at a school in Idaho.
Idaho: Police respond to 'active shooter' at school
Police officers were deployed shortly after 9am (3pm BST) to a shooting incident at Rigby Middle School in Jefferson County. Idaho Falls Fire Department has confirmed three people have been taken to hospital. Two students and an adult are understood to have suffered injuries, but they are not thought to be life-threatening.
Jefferson School District 251 said a suspect is in custody.
Students and teachers have been evacuated from the school grounds.
Emergency services remain at the scene while an investigation takes place.
Pupils are being transported to the nearby Rigby High School so parents can pick up their children.
Jefferson School District Superintendent Chad Martin described the incident at the school as “the worst nightmare”.
He said: “Today we had the worst nightmare a school district could encounter.
“We had a school shooting here at Rigby Middle School.
"What we know so far is the shooter has been apprehended.
“There is no further threat to the students."
The Governor of Idaho, Brad Little, said his prayers were with those involved and praised the work of emergency responders.
He wrote on Twitter: “I am praying for the lives and safety of those involved in today’s tragic events.
“Thank you to our law enforcement agencies and school leaders for their efforts in responding to the incident.
“I am staying updated on the situation.”
Idaho Education Association (IAE) President Layne McInelly added: “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.
“The IEA and our local education associations are ready, willing, and able to provide whatever support is needed for the staff, students, and community impacted by today’s act of violence."