La Salle High School Shooting Update: Ohio student who shot himself in classroom reportedly "fighting for his life," report says

(CBS/AP) CINCINNATI - A student at La Salle High School who pulled out a gun in his first-period classroom Monday morning and shot himself in an apparent suicide attempt is reportedly in critical condition.

The youth was taken to a hospital, and there appeared to be no threat to other students at the private Catholic school, located west of Cincinnati, police say. The school was immediately put on lockdown as a precaution and students were later dismissed for the day.

The school posted a message on the announcement board in front of the building: "Please Pray for the Students of La Salle."

At around 8 a.m., "a student produced a gun inside one of the classrooms and shot himself, and we're dealing with that now," Green Township Police Chief Bart West told reporters. School officials said the shooting was during the first class period of the day. No information was released on the gun the student had.

West said the student apparently was trying to kill himself. He said authorities weren't aware of any threats against the school or other students. Authorities said all other students were safe.

Students, some in tears, gathered in the school gym. The school's website said all students were safe and being released to parents "due to an attempted suicide involving one student."

A school official said counselors were meeting with students, and officials were talking to students to try to learn more about the student who shot himself.

"We just ask that you pray for him and his family," said Greg Tankersley, La Salle's director of community development. "It's a tragic situation for this young man."

He said the youth was "fighting for his life."

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese sent additional counselors to the school, he said, and a priest went to the hospital where the student was taken.

"We're going to go back and look at everything," Tankersley replied when asked at a news conference about a gun getting into the school. But he added that Monday's top priority was the condition of the wounded student and the well-being of the others.

More on CrimesiderApril 29, 2013 - La Salle High School Shooting: Ohio student reportedly shoots himself in front of class