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Sixth grader shoots, injures two classmates and custodian in Idaho

The Jefferson County Sheriff said a sixth grade girl pulled a handgun from her bag and shot three people before she was disarmed by a teacher.
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Three people, including two students, were shot Thursday at an Idaho middle school, according to officials.

At a press conference, Jefferson County Sheriff Steve Anderson said the suspect is a sixth-grade girl from Idaho Falls who is a student at Rigby Middle School, where the shooting took place. Initial reports had incorrectly identified the suspect as male.

Anderson said the unnamed student allegedly drew a handgun from her backpack and shot three people — one inside and two outside — before a teacher disarmed her.

The suspect is in custody at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and may be charged with attempted murder pending results of the investigation, according to Mark Taylor the county's prosecuting attorney.

The shooting victims were struck in their extremities and are expected to survive, but may require surgery, officials said

Three ambulances initially responded to Rigby Middle School after authorities learned of the shooting about 9:15 a.m. MT, Idaho Falls Fire Department spokeswoman Kerry Hammon said.

Rigby Middle School in Jefferson County, Idaho.
Rigby Middle School in Jefferson County, Idaho.Google Maps

Authorities took the injured to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, where they were listed as stable.

“Today we had the worst nightmare a school district could encounter. We had a school shooting here at Rigby Middle School,” Jefferson School District Superintendent Chad Martin said in a statement. “What we know so far is the shooter has been apprehended. There is no further threat to the students.”

"I am praying for the lives and safety of those involved in today's tragic events," Idaho Gov. Brad Little tweeted. "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."

Rigby is about 95 miles southwest of Yellowstone National Park.