/ CBS News

CBSN

A 16-year-old boy pulled a handgun out of his backpack at a Southern California high school Thursday morning and shot five of his fellow students, killing two, before he turned the gun on himself, police said. Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva told reporters the suspect was in "grave condition" at a hospital.

The deceased victims were identified as a 16-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy. The wounded victims were identified as a 15-year-old girl, a 14-year-old girl and another 14-year-old boy, and Villanueva said they were not in critical condition.

Sheriff's Department Captain Kent Wegener said the gunman, who turned 16 Thursday, and the victims all attended Saugus High School in Santa Clarita. Police didn't identify the gunman other than describing him as Asian; law enforcement sources told CBS News the suspected shooter has been identified as Nathaniel Berhow.

Police were not looking for any other suspects, Wegener said. A weapon was recovered from the scene.

"It's a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol, which had no more rounds in it, had no more bullets in it," Wegener said. CBS Los Angeles reported that classes had not gotten underway when the shooting occurred, so the campus was not completely full.

Students are comforted as they wait to be reunited with their parents following a shooting at Saugus High School November 14, 2019, in Santa Clarita, California.
Students are comforted as they wait to be reunited with their parents following a shooting at Saugus High School November 14, 2019, in Santa Clarita, California. Ringo H.W. Chiu/AP

"I actually thought I was going to die"

In the hours following the deadly shooting, students at Saugus High School spoke to CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti.

"We didn't know if the shooter had a clear view of us or not, we just sprinted and we just like prayed for our lives," one student said. "I actually thought I was going to die."

"My teacher quickly sprang to his feet, got up, locked the door," said senior Mason Peters. "Turned off all the lights and then we got a bunch of desks and stuff -- and then reinforced the doors and then we all just like stayed hidden."

Sophomore Micah Turner said she witnessed the shooting firsthand.

"He shot two people and I saw that happen," Turner said. "I just saw him fire one, two, three and then I knew, I was like I needed to get out of there."

When asked what moments would stay with her, Turner said "His face, and just seeing that one person fall."

"It's going to be hard to forget," she added. "But I'm gonna have to live with that sight in my head."

Suspect in custody after manhunt

Police didn't identify the gunman other than describing him as Asian; law enforcement sources told CBS News the suspected shooter has been identified as Nathaniel Berhow.

nathaniel-berhow.jpg
Nathaniel Berhow is seen in a photo obtained by CBS News

The shooting sparked a manhunt, but Villanueva said the suspect was taken to a hospital along with the victims. Wegener said the suspect shot himself in the head.

Paul Delacourt, assistant director in charge of the FBI's field office in Los Angeles, said there was no indication of any motivation or ideology for the shooting.

Lockdown lifted at area schools

All schools in the area of the shooting went on lockdown while authorities looked for the suspect, Eric Ortiz from the sheriff's department told CBS Los Angeles.

By early afternoon, all lockdowns were lifted, Mike Kuhlman, deputy superintendent for the William S. Hart Union High School District, said in a statement.

"Our hearts go out to the families"

Kuhlman said in the statement "our hearts go out to the families of those affected by this terrible incident."

"Words are insufficient in times such as these," he said.

"We are currently in the process of formulating a plan to care for our school and our community -- and will continue sharing updates as we learn more -- including the plan for the days ahead."