Sparks Middle School Shooting, 2 Dead 2 Critical

Two have died and two more victims are critical after this morning’s Sparks Middle School shooting in Sparks, Nevada — after some initial confusion in the reporting.

The Sparks Middle School shooting occurred at 7:16 AM local time, or just after 10 Eastern. Children at the school were gathering in classrooms for the start of the school day when gunfire erupted.

Reporting on the Sparks Middle School shooting remains scattered in the aftermath, with the New York Daily News writing:

“‘The Sparks Police Department has declared Sparks Middle School safe. There is an ongoing investigation,’ Washoe County School District reported on their Facebook page at 9:30 a.m… The school was shut down and students were evacuated to nearby Agnes Risley Elementary School before being bused to Sparks High School, the district announced approximately an hour earlier.”

After news of the tragic incident in Sparks was reported, Gov. Brian Sandoval said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the horrific shooting” as the story developed.

Gov. Sandoval added:

“My administration is receiving regular updates and the Nevada Highway Patrol is assisting at the scene. Kathleen and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims and those affected by these tragic events.”

KABC reports that the two injured were boys, but the identities of the dead — one of whom is believed to be the suspected shooter — were not yet released:

“Washoe County School District Police confirmed the suspect was ‘down’ and that the school was ‘all clear’ but released no further details… Two boys were injured and taken to Renown Regional Medical Center following the shooting. A hospital spokeswoman confirmed the two victims were in critical condition… A bulletin posted on the Sparks Police Department’s website warned residents to stay away from the middle school.”

Twitter reports from the scene are beginning to filter in, but remain unconfirmed:

EMS scanner: One person was shot on playground, one in cafeteria, one in hallway of Sparks, Nevada middle school.

— Matthew Keys (@MatthewKeysLive) October 21, 2013

Police source: Sparks, Nevada school shooting suspect was wearing school uniform.

— Matthew Keys (@MatthewKeysLive) October 21, 2013

Reno deputy chief Tom Robinson said at a press conference:

“I can tell them to rest assured. The schools are safe. The rest of the city is safe.”

RGJ reports:

“13-year-old Kyle Nucum told RGJ that he witnessed another student shoot his teacher. The teacher reportedly saw the student playing with the gun, rushed over to tell him to stop playing with the firearm and then was shot by the student, according to Nucum.”

Reports of a teacher as one of the Sparks Middle School shooting victims remain unconfirmed.