A tragic incident unfolded at Instituto Sao Jose public school in Rio Branco, Brazil, as a 13-year-old boy fatally shot two female staff members and injured others. Panicked students sought refuge, with some climbing a 20-foot wall while gunshots echoed through the school premises.

The teenage suspect, who confessed to the attack according to Acre government officials, was apprehended by law enforcement. It remains unclear whether he was a current student at the school. The two deceased staff members were declared dead at the scene, while a third staff member and a student sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Witnesses described scenes of students attempting to escape by climbing the high wall between buildings. Only one managed to make it over to seek safety elsewhere. The legal guardian of the suspect, who allegedly owned the firearm used in the incident, was also taken into custody.

Governor Mailza Assis expressed deep sympathy for the victims’ families, the school community, and all educators affected by the tragedy. In response, all schools in the state have suspended classes for three days, with psychological support services deployed to assist students and teachers.

A thorough investigation led by Acre police is ongoing to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.