Three Injured in Shooting at Idaho Middle School

  • By Matt Jones
  • May 06, 2021

Three people were injured and a suspect was taken into custody on Thursday morning following an active-shooter event at Rigby Middle School in Rigby, Idaho.

Two students (one boy and one girl) and an adult school custodian sustained non-life-threatening injuries. They were taken by ambulance to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center and are in stable condition, said Idaho Falls Fire Department spokesperson Kerry Hammon. The adult was treated and released, while the two students stayed the night at the hospital.

According to the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office, a sixth grade female student took a handgun from her backpack and began shooting just after 9 a.m. Two people were shot in the hallway, and one was shot outside, said the sheriff’s office. According to ABC News, a teacher disarmed her and restrained her until law enforcement arrived. The incident was recorded on the school’s security system.

Police were called to the school at about 9:15 a.m., and multiple law enforcement agencies responded. According to Bonneville County Sheriff Bryan Lovell, a full investigation was still in progress. Officials have yet to determine the motive for the shooting, as well as where the student acquired the weapon.

 Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Taylor said that after the investigation is complete, the suspect will face “appropriate” charges, potentially including three counts of attempted murder.

“This is the worst nightmare a school district could ever face,” said Chad Martin, Jefferson School District Superintendent. “We prepare for it, but we’re never truly ready for it.”

After the shooting, the students were evacuated to nearby Rigby High School to be picked up by their parents or guardians. The school district cancelled classes on Friday, but counselors are available at the high school.

Sixth grade student Lucy Long told ABC affiliate KIFI that she heard pounding at her classroom door; then two gunshots; then screams, footsteps running down the hallway, and third gunshot. “I was really scared,” she said. “We were so worried that someone was going to come in after they were pounding on our door, like they were going to try to get in and hurt us.”

“I am praying for the lives and safety of those involved in today’s tragic events,” wrote Idaho Gov. Brad Little in a Tweet. “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.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning and Campus Security and Life Safety. He can be reached at [email protected]

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