One student was dead and another in critical condition after a shooting Tuesday outside a school near Minneapolis, officials said.

Officers were called to the South Education Center at 12:07 p.m., and upon arrival, discovered “two students had been shot on the sidewalk outside of the school, Richfield Police Chief Jay Henthorne said.

Henthorne said the suspects fled “immediately,” and area schools were locked down. After a search of South Education Center, police determined that “no further threat existed” and other lockdowns were lifted.© Provided by NBC NewsOne student is dead and another in critical conditions after a shooting outside South Education Center in Richfield, Minn. (KARE)

“This is a tragic day in the city of Richfield, our community, our hearts, our prayers, our thoughts go out to district, their students their families, and their community,” he said at an afternoon news conference.

The 200-student facility, which includes pre-K students through young adults who attend for special education and community programs, was evacuated, schools Superintendent Sandra Lewandowski said.

The shooting happened outside the facility’s front entrance, she said.

“There are students that come through our doors every day,” the superintendent said. “We care for them. And this is a terrible tragedy and loss.” 

The incident was under investigation, and law enforcement was searching for “suspects,” Henthorne said. The FBI was assisting, he said.

No details were released about the victims aside from that the deceased student was male.

Richfield is about 7 miles south of downtown Minneapolis.

Per: NBC