Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement Tuesday that 15 people were killed in a shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde County. The dead included 14 students and a teacher.
Abbott said the 18-year-old suspected shooter was shot and killed by police officers on the spot. He is believed to have been armed with a handgun and rifle.
The governor said two police officers were also shot in return, but they were expected to survive. It was not immediately clear how many people were injured in addition to the dead, but police said there were “multiple injuries”.
Texans mourn for the victims of this senseless crime and for the Uvalde community.
Cecilia and I mourn this horrific loss and urge all Texans to come together.
I have instructed @TxDPS And the Texas Rangers will work with local law enforcement to thoroughly investigate this crime. pic.twitter.com/Yjwi8tDT1v
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) 24 May 2022
An Associated Press report said it was the deadliest American school shooting in nearly a decade, and the deadliest school shooting in Texas history.
The White House said President Joe Biden has been informed of the shootings and will address the nation today after returning from his five-day visit to South Korea and Japan.
Earlier in the day all schools in the Uvalde School District were closed after a gunman opened fire inside Robb Elementary School and barricaded himself, local officials said.
“Rob is an active shooter at Elementary. Law enforcement is on site,” the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District said in a statement. “Your cooperation is needed at this time without leaving campus. It will be shared as soon as more information is gathered.”
Rob is an active shooter at Elementary. Law enforcement is on site. Your cooperation is needed by not visiting the campus at this time. As more information is gathered it will be shared.
Rest of the district is in safe condition.
— Uvalde CISD (@Uvalde_CISD) 24 May 2022
About 600 students are enrolled in Robb Elementary School. Reports of a gunman in or near the compound came around noon, and law enforcement agencies and emergency services immediately rushed to the scene.
The Uvalde Police Department said on Facebook that people, including parents, should stay away from campus. The rest of the district is safe, officials said. The students were taken to a safe place away from school and reunited with their parents.
Uvalde Memorial Hospital said in a Facebook post that several students were being treated without giving details about their injuries and condition. University Health in San Antonio also said it had two patients – a child and an adult – from the shooting incident.
(with inputs from AP)