The suspect has since been taken into custody.
One child has been killed and three others wounded in a shooting at a high school in Washington.
The three injured are said to be in a stable condition in hospital.
It is not yet known whether or not the victim was a student at the school, according to the Spokane County Sheriff.
“As Spokane County officials continue their investigation to get the answers to the questions so many of us have during these unthinkable tragedies, the Washington State Patrol and all state agencies will do whatever we can to help provide support and comfort in the days and weeks to come,” Washington Governor Jay Inslee said of the tragedy.
The fire chief said the sounds of bullets echoing through the halls had caused fears of the possibility of multiple shooters.
However, it was later established that the shooter acted alone.
#Frreman School Shooting-MiddleSchool & Elementary on lock down. Multiple DeputiesOfficers/Medical @ scene. Safety of students #1 PRIORITY
— SpokaneSheriffOffice (@SpokaneSheriff) September 13, 2017
#Freeman LE going room 2 room, floor by floor. We understand parents are extremely concerned. We will provide info ASAP, please avoid area.
— SpokaneSheriffOffice (@SpokaneSheriff) September 13, 2017
#Freeman School NOT an active scene-1 person detained. #Spokane
— SpokaneSheriffOffice (@SpokaneSheriff) September 13, 2017
The school has 327 students, most of whom were there at the time of the shooting.
One of those present was junior, Christina, who tweeted a picture from inside the school at the time of the gunfire.
“At Freeman Elementary currently. I am a junior, evacuated from the high school. At least four shots,” read the caption on the shocking image.
At Freeman elementary currently. I am a junior, evacuated from the high school. At least 4 shots. pic.twitter.com/RnGbbbahbK
— Christina✌?️ (@TheChristinaXX) September 13, 2017
Nearby schools were also on lockdown for most of the day, according to sources on the scene.