WASHINGTON - At least eight people were killed and a dozen injured after a disturbed student shot and killed his grandparents and then went on a shooting rampage in a Minnesota high school, according to local media Monday.
The shooting occurred around 3:00 pm (21:00 GMT) at Red Lake High School in a rural town in the northern part of the state.
The school is located on an Indian reservation and has more than 300 students, according to its web site.
Local media said the shooter killed his grandparents before heading to the school armed with three guns. He then reportedly killed a male security guard outside the school before entering the premisis and opening fire on students in a corridor.
Three students and a female teacher are also reported to be among the dead. The gunman, a student at the school, apparently then shot himself bringing the total number of those killed to eight, according to the reports.
"They`re still clearing the school as a precaution, even though we think the killer is deceased," FBI agent Paul McCabe told CNN.
A local official told reporters the suspected killer`s grandfather was a police officer whose guns may have been used in the shooting.
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty released a statement offering his condolences to "the families who lost loved ones in this senseless tragedy."
"We ask Minnesotans to help comfort the families and friends of the victims who are suffering unimaginable pain by extending prayers and expressions of support," the governor added.
03/22/2005 02:05 GMT