U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy expressed sympathies to the Taft community, which is in his district.

"I am deeply saddened and troubled by news of the shooting," the Republican lawmaker said.

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, said her father attended Taft Union High, which she has visited over the years.

"Today comes word of another tragic shooting at an American school," Feinstein said. "At this moment my thoughts and prayers are with the victims, and I wish them a speedy recovery.

"But how many more shootings must there be in America before we come to the realization that guns and grievances do not belong together?" Feinstein said.