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Gunman in Washington state high school shooting was student - UPDATED

Gunman in Washington state high school shooting was student - <span style="color: red;">UPDATED

14 September 2017 00:22 (UTC +04:00)

Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich reports that the shooter in Washington High School turned out to be a student, APA reports quoting sputniknews.

The shooter at Freeman High School in Spokane County, Washington who opened fire on students earlier on Wednesday was a student himself, Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich told reporters.

"Today, that student came to school armed. He entered the school, he proceeded to taking his weapons out," Knezovich stated.

The sheriff said the shooter had two weapons, one of which jammed at the first attempt to fire. Then the student took out a second gun and shot a classmate who approached him. More rounds were fired after he hit three additional students, Knezovich added.

The incident in Spokane County was first reported at 10:30 a.m. EST (2:00 p.m. GMT). The school was immediately placed on lockdown.

Police have taken the suspect into custody, but not released his identity yet.

Knezovic said the event should prompt authorities to figure out ways to effectively deal with gun violence in public schools.

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00:22

At least one person has died in a shooting that occurred at Freeman High School in Rockford, south of Spokane, Washington. Fire officials say that the threat "has been eliminated," APA reports quoting sputniknews.

At least three injuries were reported in addition to the death, according to the fire chief. The suspect is believed to be alive and in custody, and their identity has not yet been disclosed. Students and teachers were forced to hide in locked classrooms and under desks during the active shooter situation.