TEXAS – Up to 10 people were killed and ten others wounded at a school shooting in Santa Fe, Texas. Two people were being held by police who were also investigating a number of potential explosive devices at sites on and off campus.
According to police officials, there had been 10 fatalities, including students and school staff. A 17-year-old male student was confirmed as the shooter.
The suspect has not been named as, under Texas law, he is still a juvenile, said the police official.
Images from the scene show the extent of the police presence, with students lined up outside the premises.
Police confirmed that “possible explosive devices” have been found at the school and off campus. Local residents have been asked to watch for suspicious packages.
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Photos from the scene show the extent of the police presence, with students lined up outside the premises.
Commenting on early reports of the incident, US President Donald Trump tweeted that the situation is “not looking good.”
School shooting in Texas. Early reports not looking good. God bless all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 18, 2018
In a press briefing at the White House, Trump expressed his sympathy for the victims of the shooting. “My administration is determined to do everything in our power to protect our students, secure our schools and to keep weapons out of the hands of those who pose a threat to themselves and to others,” he said.
This is the third school shooting in eight days in the US, according to CNN, and the 22nd so far this year.
A shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida, that killed 17 students and staff in February sparked a movement for stricter gun control laws in the US.
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Parkland students sent “love and support” to Santa Fe on Friday.
“Though this is the 22nd school shooting this year, we urge those reading this not to sweep it under the rug and forget,” the students said in a statement.
“This is not the price of our freedom. This is the most fatal shooting since the one at our school and tragedies like this will continue to happen unless action is taken.”