The Olmsted County Sheriff says a man shot a student about to leave for a wrestling tournament, then fatally shot himself.

STEWARTVILLE, Minn. — A student is in critical but stable condition after being shot in the parking lot of Stewartville High School early Friday.  

Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson held a press conference hours after the shooting of the student, after which the gunman took his own life. 

Torgerson says a group of 40 students and coaches was in the process of boarding a bus to travel to a wrestling tournament at 5 a.m. when the incident occurred. The sheriff says coaches heard something, looked out, and saw the high school student down in the parking lot. They were scrambling to help when the sound of another gunshot was heard. 

A 911 caller told dispatchers that someone had been shot, but when deputies arrived at the high school, they learned two people had been shot. 

Along with the juvenile who was lying in the parking lot, an adult male was found nearby holding a rifle. First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but the man was declared dead on the scene. 

The sheriff says the student was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, where he was immediately taken into surgery. The boy’s condition is described as critical, but stable. 

“Those coaches did a phenomenal job, right from the get-go, to help this juvenile victim,” Torgerson said, crediting staff and all first responders for their quick actions. 

Investigators have interviewed all the students and coaches who were there when the shootings occurred, and have also contacted the families of both the victim and the gunman. Sheriff Torgerson said it is unclear what the relationship was between the student and the shooter, or what the motive may have been. 

At one point, the sheriff stopped speaking, attempting to hold back tears. “This is emotional,” Torgerson shared after regaining his composure. “This incident has impacted far more than the families involved, obviously. We do care so much about them, and how we move forward with them from this point forward.” 

Stewartville Public Schools Superintendent Belinda Selfors told reporters that the district decided to cancel classes Friday to prioritize safety and give investigators room to work. She says counselors will be available all weekend and on Monday to help students and staffers process what happened.

Both the superintendent and sheriff asked members of the community to support those involved and not speculate on the reasons for the terrible event that unfolded. 

“We don’t need that,” Sheriff Torgerson insisted. “Nobody needs that.”

“This is an incredibly difficult day for our community,” reflected Superintendent Selfors. “I ask that we show grace and kindness, avoid speculation, and keep supporting one another.”  

The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office will lead the investigation, but Togerson said he has already reached out to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for assistance.Â