Loud bangs filled the cafeteria of Marysville-Pilchuk High School in Washington-state on Friday, as a freshman student who brought a gun to school fired upon several students during lunch hour.
According to witnesses, Jaylen Fryberg rose from his seat in the cafeteria, walked over to another table, and fired several shots into the backs of students sitting there.
Two people – the gunman and a female student – were killed and four were wounded, according to authorities. The four wounded students are all under the age of 18.
The gunshots sent students in the cafeteria ducking for cover and heading for the door. Many hid under tables or managed to escape from the school and seek refuge outside.
Marysville police spokesman Robb Lamoureux told reporters that the shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
All four of the wounded students are currently in intensive care units at hospitals in the area. Two girls who were wounded are in the ICU at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Washington, and two boys are at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Providence Hospital spokeswoman, Erin Al-Wazan, said that three of the wounded are critically-ill and have serious injuries. Another, according to her, is in serious condition.
The shooting occurred during an early lunch period at the school, which is about an hour north of Seattle, around 10:30 AM PT.
Students who witnessed the shooting believe that Fryberg targeted specific students because those he shot were close friends of his. Many students speculated that Fryberg was upset over a romantic relationship he was recently involved in.
Fryberg was named the high school’s homecoming price just a week ago, and has been labeled as a popular student, who was a nice kid.
His social media accounts online revealed him as a frequent hunter. Additionally, his accounts say he is a Native American and a member of the Tulalip tribe.
Residents of the tribe filled an events center on the reservation Friday evening as the Tulalip community grieves and searches for answers. Grief counselors were also in attendance to offer emotional support.
All classes at the high school have been cancelled through next week, and extra-curricular activities have been put on hold at least through the weekend.
