Two people died and two were injured Monday morning after a shooting at Sparks Middle School near Reno Nevada, news reports said. The shooting happened on the school's campus, police said one student was reportedly transported to an area hospital, and the shooter was declared dead by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, news reports said. The shooting occurred at approximately 7:15 a.m.
Conflicting reports persist, as 13-year-old eyewitness Kyle Nucum reportedly told police that he witnessed a student shoot his teacher. Nucum said that his teacher saw the student with a gun and ran to the student, imploring him him to put the gun down. That teacher was thenshot, according to The Reno Gazette-Journal.
Authorities have since secured the school, declaring that there remains no threat there, despite the casualties reported.
"I can tell them to rest assured. The schools are safe. The rest of the city is safe," said Reno deputy chief Tom Robinson at a press conference.
Washoe County Shoe County School District Police did not immediately after offer details the identity of the dead.
"My condolences go out to the victims' families and my thoughts are with the teachers, administrators, parents and students at Sparks Middle School who have experienced a traumatic morning," said Nevada Senator Harry Reid.
"No words of condolence could possibly ease the pain, but I hope it is some small comfort that Nevada mourns with them. I stand by to be of any assistance if there is anything that can be done and I will continue to monitor the situation," he added.
Governor Brian Sandoval said that he was saddened to learn of "the horrific shooting. 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," he said.
