A six-year-old boy is said to be in critical condition following a school shooting in South Carolina, US.
Jacob Hall was one of three people left injured when an as yet unnamed 14-year-old entered Townville Elementary School in Anderson County, and opened fire with a handgun.
While Jacob is still receiving treatment in hospital, the other two wounded – another six-year-old child and a teacher – are said to be recovering well from their injuries.
WATCH NOW: Families reunite with kids after shooting at Townville Elementary School in S.C. https://t.co/2Nd8shsnSH pic.twitter.com/vQo9foWRpk
— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 28, 2016
The incident occurred yesterday afternoon, with the teenage shooter said to have burst into the school armed with the weapon, screaming ‘I hate my life’.
A man in his forties, now believed to be the shooter’s father, was found dead from gunshot wounds in a nearby location.
As the chaos unfolded, school staff managed to bring the students to the safety of a nearby church, via bus.
Jamie Brock, volunteer fire fighter in Townville with 30 years of service, saved kids lives today. Thank you sir.
— Chad Lusk (@tigertrue02) September 28, 2016
Meanwhile, a volunteer fireman named Jamie Brock managed to wrestle the teen to the ground and disarm him, holding him there until the police arrived on the scene.
The teen is now said to be in custody, with police due to issue a statement this morning.
Jacob Hall’s parents, meanwhile, have thanked well-wishers for their prayers and messages of support.
Authorities on the #Townville school shooter, who has been identified as a white male: pic.twitter.com/NbK1349JIw
— Philip Lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) September 28, 2016
In a statement, they said: “We appreciate the community’s support, especially the Townville Rescue Squad who treated Jacob onsite and brought him to hospital. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers, and ask for privacy during this difficult time.”
We’re praying for Jacob’s recovery.