Uvalde School Shooting: Biden to Meet With Families in Uvalde Sunday

Biden to Travel to Uvalde, Calls on Congress to Take Action

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will travel to Uvalde, Texas Sunday to visit with grieving families and the community.

Biden will meet with the community leaders, religious leaders and the families of the victims, according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

"These were elementary school kids," she said during a press briefing Thursday. "They should be losing their first teeth, not losing their lives."

The White House said it won't "prejudge the results" of the ongoing investigation into the Uvalde shooting by law enforcement.

"It is always a good idea to look back and try to find any lessons we can learn," Jean-Pierre said.

Biden "wants to turn this pain to action" and is calling on Congress to help stop gun violence in the U.S. Jean-Pierre said the White House is "disappointed" that the Senate is not advancing domestic terror legislation.

"We're always looking to do more, but right now, we need the help of Congress," Jean-Pierre said. "We need Congress to act on that and we need Congress to advance common sense measures that we know will save lives when it comes to gun violence."

She added that America has more guns than people and that "if more guns was the solution, we would be the safest country, but we are not."

Biden hopes Senators who have been "unwilling to act in face of previously tragedies" will take action now, Jean-Pierre said.

Memorial Fund Benefits Families of Victims

After Tuesday's deadly school shooting, the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD) began sharing details on how members of the public can provide financial assistance to the impacted families.

An account titled "Robb School Memorial Fund" was opened at First State Bank of Uvalde by Wednesday. The fund is intended to support the families directly impacted by the shooting.

In a Wednesday post on Twitter, UCISD provided information on where contributions can be sent by mail and how donations can be made online. Donations can also be made in person at any of the bank's branches, the school district said.

Though UCISD said the memorial fund with First State Bank is currently "the only verified location to make any monetary donations," fundraisers benefitting victims' families have also popped up on GoFundMe. Many of the GoFundMe pages had already exceeded their fundraising goals by Thursday evening.

In addition to financial contributions, officials have also encouraged those interested in supporting the Uvalde community to donate blood.

For the people who were directly impacted by the shooting, UCISD provided grief counselors on Thursday and will do so again on Friday. The counselors will be available to those who need assistance at the SSGT Willie De Leon Civic Center between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The district has also provided a list of additional mental health resources for those in need.

Uvalde Shooting Prompts Student Walkout Across U.S.

The shooting at Robb Elementary School Tuesday, one of the largest school shootings in U.S. history, has prompted several school walkouts across the country.

Students at Oxford High School in Michigan, where four students were killed in a shooting last November, formed a giant "U" on their football field to honor the victims of the Uvalde shooting.

"We went through the same thing," Andrew Sholtz told The Detroit News. "I lost a lot of friends. I thought it would be respectful to help other people through it."

Students in Whitefish Bay High School in Wisconsin also participated in a walkout from their classes Thursday.

"I want to support students because they came out here clearly stating they don't want to live in a country or a city that allows guns to go unregulated," student Roberta Thurstin-Timmerma told WDJT.

In Camden, New Jersey, students walked out of their school.

Some students held that read "end gun violence" and "we need gun control."

Students in Omaha, Nebraska also walked out of school Thursday, calling for stricter gun laws.

The students of Benson High School stood on the sidewalk outside their building with signs and counted to 21.

In New York, students from Tappan Zee High School in Orangeburg to protect gun violence. This protest was organized by Students Demand Action.

News 12's Nadia Galindo said students are tired of people sending "thoughts and prayers" and want lawmakers to do something to pass stricter gun laws.

ICE, Border Patrol Pause Enforcement

Federal agents said they will not be cracking down on immigration enforcement near the site of the recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

In a Wednesday statement, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have identified the incident location as a "protected area" in the wake of the Tuesday shooting.

"To the fullest extent possible, ICE and CBP will not conduct immigration enforcement activities there so that individuals, regardless of immigration status, can seek assistance, reunify with family and loved ones, and otherwise address the tragedy that occurred," the DHS statement said.

The DHS said officials with ICE and CBP will offer emergency services to community members in need "regardless of their immigration status." No federal officials working on immigration enforcement will be undercover at those emergency sites, the DHS added.

Border Patrol officials were among the authorities who first responded to the shooting. One Border Patrol agent was hurt, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a separate statement.

Uvalde will have the DHS' "full support" as the community moves forward, Mayorkas said.

Meghan Markle Visits Uvalde Memorial Site

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, visited a memorial site in Uvalde, Texas for the victims killed at Robb Elementary School.

Markle left a bouquet of white roses tied with a purple ribbon at a cross for one of the victims Thursday afternoon. White crosses bearing the names of the 19 children and two teachers who were killed in the attack Tuesday are lined across the memorial.

Markle made the surprise visit to offer her condolences in a personal capacity as a mother, a spokesperson for the Duchess told People.

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Supreme Court to Rule Soon on Gun Carry Law

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide soon on its first major Second Amendment case in more than 10 years.

The forthcoming ruling on New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen is expected to be released before the Supreme Court's current term ends in June. The case, which involves a New York firearm permitting law that regulates whether gun owners can carry guns outside their homes, was argued before the Court last November.

Legal experts previously told Newsweek they believe it is likely the Supreme Court will strike down the New York law. This case marks the first time the Court is tackling a weighty gun case with its current 6-3 conservative majority.

Though the case focuses on the gun permitting law in New York, experts have said a Supreme Court decision striking it down could open the door to similar legal challenges in other states.

The Court's anticipated decision is set to follow a string of shootings in the U.S., including the mass shooting earlier this week at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. A shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, and another at a church in Southern California also occurred in the U.S. earlier this month.

Husband of Teacher Killed in Shooting Dies Days After Wife

The husband of a teacher killed in the Uvalde shooting died from a heart attack Thursday.

Joe Garcia, the husband of Irma Garcia, one of the two teachers shot and killed at Robb Elementary School, suffered a fatal heart attack, according to KABB-TV in San Antonio.

The couple, who has been married for 24 years, leaves behind four children, KABB reporter Ernie Zuniga said in a tweet.

Texas Public Safety Officer Give Update on Shooting

Victor Escalon, South Regional Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, provided a summary of the shooting and gave a "snap shot" of where investigators are today, during a press conference Thursday.

"It's tough. It's hard," he said. "But that gives us the motivation to move on and do hard work for Uvalde, Texas and for the victims."

The investigation is ongoing to confirm and corroborate information and understand the gunman's motives. Escalon also said he wants to "clear up" misinformation surrounding the incident.

At 11:28 a.m. Tuesday, the gunman wrecked his grandmother's pickup truck after shooting his grandmother in the face, Escalon said. The gunman's grandmother is alive and in stable condition.

The gunman then jumped out of the passenger side with a riffle and a bag of ammunition. He reportedly fired shots at witnesses at a funeral home across the street before hoping a fence of the school parking lot, Escalon said.

At 11:40 a.m., he entered the west side of the school. Escalon said there were "numerous" rounds fired. Officials are still trying to determine exactly how many rounds he fired, based on reports and video. He said most of the gunfire was in the beginning, based on current information.

The suspect then walked down the hallway and into a classroom. Escalon said that local police responded four minutes later. The officers made entry but moved back and took cover once they heard gunfire.

He then said the officers did not make entry initially because of "the gunfire they were receiving."

Additional resources were called in as first responders asked for tactical teams, body armor and negotiation teams. Officers on scene were also evacuating students and teachers.

"There was a lot going on," Escalon said. "It was a complex situation. They're measuring."

Tactical teams from Border Patrol arrived an hour later. They entered the building and shot and killed the suspect. It then turned into "a rescue operation" to make the area safe, Escalon said.

Officers were taking gunfire, he said officers were conducting negotiations and getting a team to make entry into the school to stop the suspect. During negotiations, Escalon said the suspect was not responsive and fired to "keep the officers at bay."

Escalon clarified reports about a school district police officer confronting the suspect.

He said that is not accurate, noting the suspect walked in unobstructed and was "not confronted by anybody." The door to the school appears to have been unlocked, based on initial reports.

Escalon was not able to give an exact timeline between when the suspect entered, the first call to 911 and when officers responded on scene.

"Our job is to report the facts and give answers," he said. "And we don't have that yet."

A reporter asked if a tactical team could have gone in before an hour lapsed. Escalon said "there's a lot of possibilities."

He said investigators are interviewing all the officers on the scene about what they did and why. He noted that Uvalde is a small town and officers from surrounding towns responded.

He also said he could verify that bystanders and parents were urging officers to go into the school.

NRA Raffle Includes Type of Gun Used in Shooting

A "banned guns" raffle promoted by the National Rifle Association (NRA) includes a firearm like the one used in the shooting at Robb Elementary School earlier this week in Uvalde, Texas.

A website for the raffle says the NRA "is giving away 12 world-class guns that Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Chuck Schumer, and Nancy Pelosi want to ban!"

Everyone who wins a firearm will also receive 1,000 rounds of ammunition, the raffle website says.

Pictures of firearms included in the raffle rotate beneath the initial giveaway details on the raffle website. Among them is the DDM4 V7 PRO by Daniel Defense, an assault-style rifle similar to the one used in the Tuesday shooting at Robb Elementary.

The DDM4 V7 PRO included in the raffle is valued at $3,028, according to the NRA giveaway details.

The raffle's website says the NRA does not require a purchase in order to participate but does encourage donations. Raffle participants must be U.S. citizens and must be at least 21 years old in order to enter.

Officers Responded 'Within Minutes,' Uvalde Police Chief Says

Uvalde Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez defended his department's response to the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School amid growing criticism and questions.

"It is important for our community to know that our officers responded within minutes alongside Uvalde CISD officers," Rodriguez said in a statement Thursday.

Law enforcement have faced questions about how long police took to respond to the scene and how long the suspected shooter may have been on campus. Rodriguez released the statement shortly before a press conference, where police response is expected to be discussed.

"I understand questions are surfacing regarding the details of what occurred," his statement reads. "I know answers will not come fast enough during this trying time, but rest assured that with the completion of the full investigation, I will be able to answer all the questions that we can."

He also said that responding Uvalde Police Department officers were shot by the suspect, but said injuries are not life-threatening. He also extended his condolences to the families of the victims.

"My department and I will never be able to express in words the deepest sympathy and condolences to the individual families and the entire community of Uvalde," Rodriguez said.

Press Conference to Begin Soon Over Police Response Time

Law enforcement officials in Uvalde, Texas will hold a press conference soon to discuss updates on the tragic school shooting that claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers.

The Texas Department of Public Safety will "provide an update on the coordinated response to the Robb Elementary School shooting," according to the Uvalde Police Department.

There have been reports that onlookers urged police officers to charge into the elementary school during the active shooting situation on Tuesday. According to the Associated Press, bystanders were upset that police were not moving in, claiming officers were "unprepared."

The press conference will be held at Robb Elementary School.

The City of Uvalde, the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD), the Uvalde CISD police department and the Uvalde County Office of Emergency Management are all expected to be in attendance.

The press conference will stream live on local news channels.

Uvalde High School Graduation Postponed

The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District has postponed high school graduation amid the recent tragedy.

"Out of the deepest respect for the families and our community affected by the tragedy we have experienced, the Uvalde High School Graduation Ceremony has been postponed," the district said in a notification.

The district added that "this is a difficult time for everyone."

NRA Prays for Victims, Pushes Ahead With Annual Meeting

The National Rifle Association (NRA) offered its "deepest sympathies" following the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. The massacre in Uvalde unfolded just three days before the NRA's annual meeting, being held in Houston, Texas.

"Our deepest sympathies are with the families and victims involved in this horrific and evil crime," the NRA said in a statement Wednesday. "On behalf of our members, we salute the courage of school officials, first responders and others who offered their support and services."

"Although an investigation is underway and facts are still emerging, we recognize this was the act of a lone, deranged criminal," the statement continues. "As we gather in Houston, we will reflect on these events, pray for the victims, recognize our patriotic members, and pledge to redouble our commitment to making our schools secure."

During Wednesday's Houston City Council meeting, Mayor Sylvester Turner said the NRA's annual meeting in the city will continue as scheduled.

"The convention has been on the books for more than two years," Turner said, according to KHOU-TV. "It's a contractual arrangement. We simply cannot cancel a conference or convention because we do not agree with the subject matter."

The annual meeting, which starts Friday, comes amid renewed calls for gun control. Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at the event. It is the first NRA annual meeting to be held since 2019; the meetings were cancelled in 2020 and 20201 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Uvalde Community Prayer Vigil Planned

A prayer vigil is being held Wednesday night, the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) said.

"Prayer vigil for our Uvalde community," Uvalde CISD posted Wednesday afternoon. The vigil is being held at 7 p.m. CT at the Uvalde County Fairplex.

Matthew McConaughey Calls for Action After Hometown Shooting

Actor Matthew McConaughey issued a call to action Wednesday in the wake of the deadly school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, which is his hometown.

In a statement shared on social media, McConaughey said that "we have tragically proven that we are failing to be responsible for the rights our freedoms grant us."

"The true call to action now is for every American to take a longer and deeper look in the mirror, and ask ourselves, 'What is it that we truly value?" the statement read. "How do we repair the problem? What small sacrifices can we individually take today, to preserve a healthier and safer nation, state, and neighborhood tomorrow?'"

The actor added that the U.S. cannot "accept these tragic realities as the status quo"

"This is an epidemic we can control, and whichever side of the aisle we may stand on, we all know we can do better," he wrote. "We must do better. Action must be taken so that no parent has to experience what the parents in Uvalde and the others before them have endured."

Abbott Reveals New Details About Uvalde Shooting

Texas Governor Greg Abbott revealed several new details about how the deadly Robb Elementary School shooting unfolded during a press conference Wednesday, including that it was a Border Patrol agent who killed the alleged gunman.

Abbott said that the alleged gunman, who was identified by authorities as Salvador Ramos, shot his grandmother in the face and she contacted the police. The gunman then fled and had an accident just outside the school.

Abbott said he ran into the school and was approached and engaged by officers with the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (CISD).

"The gunman then entered a backdoor and went down two short hallways and then into a classroom on the left-hand side," Abbott said.

The classroom the gunman entered was "connected internally" to another room. CISD officers, police, sheriffs, Border Patrol and other law enforcement personnel "converged on that classroom."

"The Border Patrol officer killed the gunman," Abbott said.

Abbott said that the gunman was reportedly a high school dropout, and that he might have had a juvenile record, but authorities have yet to identify a criminal history for Ramos.

Beto O'Rourke Called 'Sick Son of a B*tch'

During a verbal encounter at a press conference Wednesday on the Uvalde school shooting, Beto O'Rourke was called a "sick son of a b*tch" and an "embarrassment."

O'Rourke, a Democratic Texas gubernatorial candidate, approached the stage where Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and several other officials were sitting during the press conference.

Patrick was about to speak when O'Rourke approached them. O'Rourke was repeatedly told that he was "out of line" three times by Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin, who then called him a "sick son of a b*tch."

O'Rourke was heard telling the Texas officials that they are "doing nothing," presumably speaking about gun reform in the wake of the mass shooting, and that "this was totally predictable."

One Texas official also told O'Rourke that he "can't believe" he would come to the press conference to "make a political issue."

Gunman Posted About Shooting Grandmother, School

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the gunman in the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, gave no "forewarning" about what he planned to do, except for several Facebook posts he made in the roughly 30 minutes before the deadly incident.

Abbott said that the gunman made one post saying that he planned to shoot his grandmother, and then another saying that he did shoot his grandmother.

The gunman made another post, about 15 minutes before arriving at Robb Elementary, saying that he planned to shoot the school, Abbott said.

Beto O' Rourke Interrupts Press Conference

Texas gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke interrupted a press conference being held by top Texas officials Wednesday to call for more action on gun control.

O'Rourke approached the stage where Governor Greg Abbott and other officials were sitting just before Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick was going to speak, causing a verbal confrontation.

Abbott Calls for Support, Unity After Shooting

Texas Governor Greg Abbott called for unity in Texas and support for families impacted by the mass school shooting during a news conference Wednesday.

"What they need now more than ever is our love," he said. "What they need is uplifting from all of our fellow Texans and all of our fellow Americans."

McConnell's Uvalde Speech Didn't Mention Gun Reform

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell decried the "senseless evil" of the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, during remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday.

But the Republican lawmaker didn't mention the possibility of using gun reform to lessen the chances of additional deadly shootings taking place in the future.

McConnell described the alleged gunman, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, as a "maniac" and "deranged young man."

"We pray fervently that in the midst of this nightmare of grief, our Heavenly Father will make manifest to these families his promise in Psalm 34 — that 'the Lord is near to the brokenhearted,'" he said.

Gunman Told Students 'You're Going to Die'

The grandmother of one of the student victims in the Uvalde school shooting Tuesday said that the gunman told the children "you're going to die" before opening fire.

Berlinda Irene Arreola told The Daily Beast that she was informed about the moments leading up to when her granddaughter, 10-year-old Amerie Jo Garza, was shot.

"So the gunman went in and he told the children, 'You're going to die,'" Arreola told The Daily Beast. "And she [Garza] had her phone and she called 911. And instead of grabbing it and breaking it or taking it from her, he shot her. She was sitting right next to her best friend. Her best friend was covered in her blood."

Salvador Ramos Had Troubled Relationship With Mother

The suspected gunman in the mass school shooting in Uvalde reportedly had a troubled relationship with his mother.

A man who said he was a former neighbor of Salvador Ramos, who was killed by law enforcement officers Tuesday, told The Washington Post that the 18-year-old had multiple blowups with his mother.

The neighbor, Ruben Flores, also said that he had seen police at the home Ramos lived in with his mother, and that he had "a pretty rough life" with her.

Memorial Fund Created for Uvalde Families

A memorial fund for families from Robb Elementary School has been opened at the First State Bank (FSB) of Uvalde in the wake of the mass shooting, the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District announced Wednesday.

Those looking to donate to the account can do so at any FSB branch, the district said.

All checks should be made payable to the "Robb School Memorial Fund." Donations can also be made through Zelle to robbschoolmemorialfund@gmail.com.

Cruz, Coryn to Attend Uvalde Press Conference

Texas Senators Ted Cruz and John Coryn will be in Uvalde Wednesday afternoon to attend a press conference with the state's top elected officials.

A media advisory said that Texas Governor Greg Abott will hold the press conference after a briefing to "provide an update on the state's coordinated response" on the shooting.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker of the Texas House Dade Phelan and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steve McCraw will also be in attendance.

It will take place at Uvalde High School at 12:30 p.m. local time.

Four Patients, Including Three Children, Remain in Hospital

The status of four patients being treated at University Health has improved as of Wednesday morning, the hospital said.

University Health provided an update on the patients, including three children, who were transported to the hospital following the shooting at Robb Elementary School Tuesday. The hospital is treating a 66-year-old woman, two 10-year-old girls and a 9-year-old girl. While the 66-year-old woman and one of the 10-year-old girls remain in "serious" condition as of Wednesday, it is an improvement from being listed in "critical" condition Tuesday night. The other 10-year-old and 9-year-old are both in "good" condition.

As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, University Health listed the following status report:

• 66-year-old woman: serious condition (she was listed in critical condition as of late Tuesday night)
• 10-year-old girl: serious condition (she was listed in critical condition as of late Tuesday night)
• 10-year-old girl: good condition (status unchanged, she was listed in good condition as of late Tuesday night)
• 9-year-old girl: good condition (she was listed in fair condition as of Tuesday night)

"All pediatric patients have their families with them," University Health said Wednesday.

Biden Repeats Calls for 'Common Sense Gun Laws'

President Joe Biden repeated calls for stricter gun laws Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after the horrific mass shooting at Robb Elementary School.

"We know common sense gun laws can't and won't prevent every tragedy," Biden tweeted Wednesday. "But we know they work and have a positive impact. When we passed the assault weapons ban, mass shootings went down. When the law expired, mass shootings tripled."

Biden also called for "common sense gun laws" during his speech Tuesday night, as he addressed the nation from the Roosevelt Room.

"As a nation, we have to ask: When in God's name are we going to stand up to the gun lobby?" he said. "When in God's name will we do what we all know in our gut needs to be done?"

"For every parent, for every citizen in this country, we have to make it clear to every elected official in this country: It's time to act," he continued.

"It's time, for those who obstruct or delay or block the common sense gun laws, we need to let you know that we will not forget."

Who Were the Texas School Shooting Victims?

Anguished parents are awaiting more news from the school this morning. Some of those killed have been identified. They include:

• Eva Mireles: A fourth-grade teacher, wife and mother who had worked in the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District for 17 years. Her cousin Amber Ybarra said she was "vivacious" adventurer and that "her laughter was contagious."
• Irma Garcia: A fourth-grade teacher in her 23rd year of teaching at Robb Elementary, according to the school's website. She was a mother of four children and had been married for 24 years.
• Xavier Lopez: The 10-year-old was identified by his family as being one of the children killed. Hours before the shooting occurred, Lopez's mother had attended an awards ceremony for her son, the boy's cousin has said.
• Amerie Jo Garza: Also identified by her family as one of the victims. She turned 10 years old on May 10, according to her father Angel Garza, who spoke to ABC News.
• Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez: The 10-year-old was in third grade. Her cousin was also killed.
• Uziyah Garcia: "The sweetest little boy that I've ever known. I'm not just saying that because he was my grandkid," his grandfather Manny Renfro said of the 8-year-old.

Ted Cruz Suggests More Armed Officers in Schools

Texas Senator Ted Cruz has proposed more armed law enforcement officers at schools, suggesting it would be more effective than tightening gun control laws.

"We know from past experience that the most effective tool for keeping kids safe is armed law enforcement on the campus," Cruz told reporters.

Authorities did engage Salvador Ramos, named as the killer, in a shootout before he entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, but were unable to stop hi,

Salvador Ramos, named as the killer, was involved in a shootout with authorities before entering Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, an official has said.

"Inevitably, when there's a murder of this kind, you see politicians try to politicize it," Cruz said.

"You see Democrats and a lot of folks in the media whose immediate solution is to try to restrict the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens," Cruz added. "That doesn't work."

What Is the HR8 Bill?

NBA coach Steve Kerr's impassioned speech on gun control legislation has been widely viewed overnight.

Speaking at a Golden State Warriors press conference, he made direct reference to gun control legislation called H.R.8 that has been passed by the House of Representatives, but has not yet been subject to a Senate vote.

If you're unfamiliar with the H.R.8. bill would require background checks on firearms sales or transfers throughout the U.S.

Background checks are not currently required for sales or transfers by unlicensed and private sellers.

Find out more about H.R.8 and its stalled passage through Congress below...

These Are Texas' Gun Control Laws

Salvador Ramos, who has been named as the killer in Uvalde, bought two rifles on his 18th birthday, a Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez has said.

Texas legislation allows people who are 18 or older to legally purchase long guns, including shotguns and rifles.

Handguns can normally only be bought by people aged 21 years old or older, but a 2021 amendment to the Texas Government Code allows people who are 18 years old to be eligible for a handgun license if they meet all other requirements except the minimum age under federal law and are under protective orders related to family violence.

Since September 1, 2021, Texas no longer requires people to have a license to carry a handgun in most public places. Restrictions remained on carrying firearms at schools.

Every Victim Inside Same Classroom—Official

We've just learned...

All of the dead and injured were inside a single classroom at Robb Elementary School, a Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman has said.

The gunman had barricaded himself inside the room where he killed two teachers and 19 children, Lieutenant Chris Olivarez told CNN."Just goes to show you the complete evil from this shooter," he said

Joe Scarborough Blasts 'Insanity' Around Gun Controls

Joe Scarborough has been speaking about the need for more stringent gun controls in many states.

On Wednesday's Morning Joe, Scarborough some states were "racing to the bottom" to ensure people can more easily acquire guns.

Texas last year became the 21st state not requiring permits for the open or concealed carry of firearms.

Scarborough, who said he owns a gun responsibly, said an "overwhelming" number of Americans support gun safety laws.

"But these Republicans race to the bottom. 'Let's let 18-year-olds get guns on their birthday, go buy two military style weapons on their birthday.'

"And take every other sort of meaningful legislation away, regulation, safeguards away. And why?

"Do we think 90 percent of Americans, do we think 50 percent of Americans want an 18-year-old kid... to be able to go out and buy two military style weapons, to open carry in other states to get guns without a permit. It is insanity."

More World Leaders React to Texas School Shooting

We've heard from Ukraine's President Zelensky just now. Other world leaders have also responded to the shooting. Here are a few...

• New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern reflected on her country's actions following the 2019 mosque shootings in Christchurch that killed 51 people during an interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert."When I watch from afar and see events such as those today, I think of them not as a politician, I see them just as a mother and I'm so sorry for what has happened here," she said. "And then I think about what happened to us and all I can reflect is we are very pragmatic people when we saw something like that happen, everyone said 'never again' and so then it was incumbent on us as politicians to respond to that."

• French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: "Children and teachers were murdered in a cowardly attack in their Texas school. We share the shock and grief of the American people, and the rage of those who are fighting to end the violence."
• German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote: "Our thoughts are with the injured and the bereaved of the victims of this inconceivable massacre for which hardly any words can be found. Our condolence go out to you, @POTUS, and our American friends."

More Than $300K Raised on GoFundMe

Donations have been pouring in to help those affected by the shooting.

Several verified GoFundMe pages together raised more than $300,000 by early Wednesday.

One fundraiser set up by Victims First, a network of families of victims and survivors of previous mass shootings, has so far raised more than $220,000.

Another fundraiser was set up by the family of Xavier Lopez, one of the children killed in the shooting, to cover funeral expenses.

GoFundMe has set up a hub for verified fundraisers.

Cousin Pays Tribute to 'Vivacious' Teacher, Eva Mireles

"Absolutely vivacious" is how a cousin of fourth grade teacher Eva Mireles will remember her.

Amber Ybarra said Mireles, the first victim identified, loved her role at the elementary school.

"She was absolutely vivacious," Ybarra told Today this morning. "She was definitely an adventurer.

"It breaks my heart, I just saw her for Christmas this last December and she was just... her cooking was amazing, her laughter was contagious and she's going to be missed.

"I just completely feel for everyone who lost a loved one yesterday."

Ukraine's Zelensky Sends Message to Texas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sent his condolences after the shooting in Uvalde.

"Deeply saddened by the news of the murder of innocent children in Texas," he wrote in a tweet.

"Sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the people of the US and @POTUS over this tragedy. The people of Ukraine share the pain of the relatives and friends of the victims and all Americans."

Salvador Ramos 'Angry He Did Not Graduate,' Neighbor Says

A picture of Salvador Ramos, who police have identified as the shooter, is slowly beginning to emerge.

While authorities have not released any update on the killers' motives, those who knew him having been giving accounts of his behaviour and character.

One neighbour said Ramos had a fight with his grandmother, whom he shot dead, shortly before he drove to the school.

The neighbour was not interviewed on camera, but reporter John Mone, of local news channel Newsy, revealed he had spoken to family friend Eduardo Trinidad.
Trinidad said "the suspect was angry he did not graduate," according to Mone.

"And he got into an argument with the grandmother and she was screaming, 'He shot me! He shot me!' and then he got in the car, zoomed down the street, there was some kind of crash according to Mr. Trinidad.

"The suspect got out, he had two weapons, and then started engaging gunfire. From that point on, apparently, according to Mr. Trinidad, the suspect walks into the school and unfortunately the rest is history."

Classmates of the 18-year-old Ramos were due to attend their graduation ceremony on Friday (May 27).

Amanda Gorman Pens Poem on School Shootings

Poet Amanda Gorman, who famously spoke at Joe Biden's inauguration, has written a poem in response to the shooting. She wrote:

Schools scared to death.
The truth is, one education under desks,
Stooped low from bullets;
That plunge when we ask
Where our children
Shall live
& how
& if

In a series of tweets she condemned the killings, writing: "It takes a monster to kill children. But to watch monsters kill children again and again and do nothing isn't just insanity—it's inhumanity.

"The truth is, one nation under guns.

"What might we be if only we tried. What might we become if only we'd listen."

Pope Francis 'Heartbroken by the Massacre' in Texas

Pope Francis has been speaking about events in Texas this morning.

"I am left heartbroken by the massacre in the elementary school in Texas. I pray for the children, for the adults killed and for their families," he said, according to Reuters, following his weekly general audience at the Vatican.

"It is time to say enough to indiscriminate arms trafficking. Let us all commit to ensuring such tragedies can no longer take place.

Uvalde Families DNA Tested to Help Investigation

Families at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, were reportedly DNA tested to help in the investigation, according to a reporter with local television station KHOU.

Authorities confirmed that 21 people, 19 of whom were students, were killed in the shooting on Tuesday. But by Tuesday evening, just one of the victims, a fourth grader teacher at the school, had been publicly identified.

The identities of the remaining victims remained unconfirmed.

Obama Says U.S. 'Paralyzed' by Gun Lobby

Former President Barack Obama said Tuesday that the U.S. is "paralyzed" by the gun lobby and a "political party," presumably referring to Republicans, "that have shown no willingness to act in any way that might help prevent" tragedies like the Uvalde shooting.

Echoing President Joe Biden's message at the White House earlier Tuesday, Obama said that it's "long past time for action, any kind of action."

"And it's another tragedy—a quieter but no less tragic one—for families to wait another day," he added.

Multiple Border Patrol Agents Responded to Shooting

Multiple U.S. Border Patrol agents responded to the Robb Elementary School shooting Tuesday after a request for aid by law enforcement, according to Marsha Espinosa, the assistant secretary for public affairs in the Department of Homeland Security.

Espinosa wrote in a Twitter thread that Border Patrol agents and other law enforcement officers faced gunfire from the alleged gunman, who she said was barricaded inside the school.

"Risking their own lives, these Border Patrol Agents and other officers put themselves between the shooter and children on the scene to draw the shooter's attention away from potential victims and save lives," she said.

Espinosa said that at least one of the agents was wounded during a gunfire exchange.

"On-and-off duty Border Patrol Agents arrived on the scene to assist with transferring students safely to their families and providing medical support," she added.

Death Toll Raised to 19 Children, 2 Adults

The death toll in the Robb Elementary School shooting was once again raised to 19 children and two teachers Tuesday evening, a Fox News correspondent said, citing the Texas Department of Public Safety

Previously, authorities confirmed that 18 children and two adults had been killed.

Reactions Pour in After 'Horrific' Shooting

Reactions of grief, horror, frustration and anger have poured in from across the U.S. following the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

"Horrified and heartbroken by reports of the disgusting violence directed at innocent schoolkids in Uvalde, Texas. The entire country is praying for the children, families, teachers, and staff and the first responders on the scene," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell tweeted.

Former Vice President Mike Pence said that he and his wife, Karen Pence, were "deeply saddened and heartbroken" over the shooting, while former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said that the "madness and the evil of the shootings in Uvalde are incomprehensible."

Others have also called for gun reform as a way to prevent deadly incidents such as these from happening again in the future.

"The horrific rampage in TX once again makes clear that there are some very sick people in this country with guns in their hands who should not have them," Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders tweeted. "Congress may not be able to end this problem, but we must at least pass commonsense gun reforms to finally protect the public."

In a similar message, Hillary Clinton said that expressing "thoughts and prayers" in the wake of the shooting "are not enough."

"After years of nothing else, we are becoming a nation of anguished screams," she tweeted. "We simply need legislators willing to stop the scourge of gun violence in America that is murdering our children."

Here's What Biden Said About Shooting

President Joe Biden delivered remarks from the White House Tuesday evening following the mass school shooting in Texas that has so far resulted in 20 confirmed deaths.

Biden, whose son Beau Biden died in 2015 after a brain cancer diagnosis, said that losing a child is like "having a piece of your soul ripped away."

He asked the nation to pray for the families impacted by the deadly shooting and asked when the U.S. would "stand up to the gun lobby," listing other similar incidents in recent years like the Sandy Hook Elementary School and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootings.

"I am sick and tired of it," he said. "We have to act. Don't tell me we can't have an impact on this carnage."

Biden said that he spent his career as a senator and vice president working to pass common sense gun laws, and while they can't prevent all tragedies, "we know they work and have a positive impact."

"Why do we keep letting this happen? Where in God's name is our backbone to have the courage to deal with and stand up to the lobbies?" he said.

He called on the U.S. to turn the "pain into action."

"We have to do more," he said.

Biden did not take any questions from reporters following his remarks

Uvalde School Shooting the Worst Since Sandy Hook

The mass school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, was the most deadly since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in December 2012.

The Sandy Hook shooting saw 20 students and six educators killed, according to a list of the deadliest school shootings published by the Associated Press.

The confirmed death toll in the Uvalde shooting stands at 18 students and two adults.

Other mass school shootings in the time between Sandy Hook and Uvalde, such as the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018, have also seen deaths numbering in the double digits. But the Uvalde shooting has now surpassed them as the most deadly since Sandy Hook.

Teacher Eva Mireles Reportedly Killed in Shooting

Fourth grade teacher Eva Mireles was confirmed as one of the victims in the deadly Texas school shooting Tuesday, WABC-TV reported.

In a statement shared with WABC, Mireles' aunt, Lydia Martinez Delgado said that she was "furious that these shootings continue."

"These children are innocent. Rifles should not be easily available to all," she added.

Mireles' profile page on the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) website said that she was an educator for 17 years.

School to Close for Last 2 Days of Term

Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, will not return for the last two days of its semester following the deadly shooting Tuesday, said Dr. Hal Harrell, superintendent of Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD).

Harrell said that all activities were cancelled throughout the district. He noted that many would be thinking about graduation, and said that they would provide an update at a later time.

The district's website showed that the Spring Signing Day for student-athletes in CISD was supposed to take place Tuesday evening.

Harrell also said while speaking to reporters that students, staff, community members and others will have access to grief counseling and support beginning Wednesday morning.

Parkland Father Says Texas 'Failed Our Kids'

Fred Guttenberg, the father of one of the victims of the Parkland school shooting in 2018, said that Texas politicians "failed our kids again" following the deadly shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas.

He called out leaders like Texas Governor Greg Abbott and others who he said "politicize guns and violence."

Guttenberg added that he wanted to "tell them all to go f**k off."

Death Count Up to 18 Children, 2 Adults

The death count in the mass shooting at a Texas elementary school has been raised to 18 children and two adults, Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez said on MSNBC.

Gutierrez said he had just been briefed by Texas Rangers.

Authorities previously said that 15 people, 14 of whom were students, had been killed.

Texas Politicians Discuss Gun Reform

Following the mass shooting at a Texas elementary school Tuesday, several Texas politicians have already weighed in on whether additional gun restrictions should be added.

Democrat Lloyd Doggett, a representative for Texas' 35th congressional district, tweeted that the "gun lobby's control over some in Congress" should be broken.

"No words can capture the pain of the loss of these fourteen young lives and their teacher in Robb Elementary School. Our hearts break," he wrote.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz, on the other hand, told a reporter that he doesn't believe gun reform is the solution.

"You see Democrats and a lot of folks in the media whose immediate solution is to try to restrict the constitutional rights of law abiding citizens. That doesn't work. It's not effective. It doesn't prevent crime. What does prevent crime is going after felons and fugitives and those with serious mental illness," he said.

Border Patrol Agent Reportedly Among the Injured

A U.S. Border Patrol agent was among those injured at the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Tuesday, according to a Fox News reporter who cited U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sources.

The CBP said the agent was injured by gunfire while responding to the shooting, but Border Patrol had no involvement in pursuit related to the deadly incident, according to the reporter.

Biden Orders U.S. Flag to Be Flown Half-Staff Through Saturday

President Joe Biden issued an order for the U.S. flag to be flown half-staff through sunset on Saturday as "a mark of respect for the victims" of the Uvalde shooting.

The order includes U.S. flags at the White House, on all public buildings and grounds, all military posts and naval stations, all naval vessels of the federal government in the District of Columbia and throughout the rest of the U.S.

"I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations," Biden said in a release.

Police Believe 18-Year-Old Gunman Acted Alone

Uvalde Police believe the 18-year-old suspected gunman acted alone, Chief Pete Arredondo said Tuesday.

Police were alerted to a "mass casualty incident" around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday morning at Robb Elementary School, Arredondo said. Students at the school are in second, third and fourth grade. Arredondo reiterated that the suspected gunman is dead.

Police will release further details at a press conference scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. CT.

Biden to Speak on Shooting Tonight

President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting at Robb Elementary School, according to the Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

Biden's "prayers are with the families impacted by this awful event," Jean-Pierre said in a tweet. The President will address the shooting when he returns to the White House this evening.

Two in Critical Condition, Including Woman and 10-Year-Old

A 66-year-old woman and 10-year-old girl are in critical condition at University Health, the hospital said late Tuesday.

"We have received two patients from the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, one child and one adult," University Hospital said.

Further details of the 66-year-old woman are unknown at this time. However, KSAT-TV reports the alleged shooter is believed to have shot his grandmother before carrying out the shooting.

Shooter Killed by Police, Greg Abbott Says

Texas Governor Gregg Abbott said the gunman is 18-year-old Salvador Ramos.

Ramos was killed by responding police officers, according to Abbott. The Uvalde Police Department said at 1:06 p.m. CT the suspect was in police custody.

Abbott said the shooter had a handgun and possibly a rifle.

Ramos is reportedly a student at Uvalde High School and believed to have shot his grandmother before he went to Robb Elementary School, according to KSAT.

Senator Ted Cruz Calls Shooting 'Horrific'

Texas Senator Ted Cruz released a statement following the "horrific" shooting at Robb Elementary School Tuesday.

"Heidi and I are fervently lifting up in prayer the children and families in the horrific shooting in Uvalde," Cruz said.

"We are in close contact with local officials, but the precise details are still unfolding. Thank you to heroic law enforcement and first responders for acting so swiftly."

Police to Give Update Soon

Uvalde Police will soon hold a press conference at the city's civic center. Uvalde Police Sgt. Willie Deleon will provide an update on the shooting at 5 p.m. CT.

School District Reports Active Shooter

The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) reported an active shooter situation around 1:15 p.m. Tuesday afternoon at Robb Elementary School.

Law enforcement were on scene at that time, Uvalde CISD said, as the district asked parents to avoid the campus. Students were being transported to the nearby civic center for pickup.

"Parents are asked to pick up students at the regular dismissal times at the child's campus," Uvalde CISD later posted around 4 p.m. "There will be no bus transportation. Officers will be on site to escort students to the parents cars. Parents please be patient as lines will be long."

Death Toll Climbs to 15, Texas Governor Says

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the death toll from the shooting at Robb Elementary School has risen to 15.

Abbott said the gunman shot and killed 14 students and one teacher. He also said the gunman is believed to be dead.

According to earlier reports, 13 children were taken to Uvalde Memorial Hospital.

One 66-year-old woman is in critical condition at University Hospital in San Antonio, according to University Health. Another 45-year-old man was treated for a bullet graze.

Two students were declared dead on arrival, according to KSAT.