Officials said 19 students and at least two adults were killed in a shooting at an elementary school in the US state of Texas on Tuesday. The attacker was also killed. Dozens of people were injured.
On Tuesday, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos first smashed his car and then drove to Robb Primary School in Uvalde. A senator was told by police that he opened fire there with the pistol and rifle, the weapons he had bought on his 18th birthday.
Ramos, a resident of Uvalde, wore a bulletproof vest but was killed anyway, apparently by police fire. The causes and circumstances surrounding the shooting are not yet known. The man appears to have acted alone.
The school, which has less than 600 students, was surrounded by a large police force on Tuesday afternoon. Traffic was diverted and FBI agents entered and exited the building.
The school, which has less than 600 students, was surrounded by a large police force on Tuesday afternoon. Traffic was diverted and FBI agents entered and exited the building. Photographer: FATHER
Uvalde Memorial Hospital said 13 children were initially hospitalized by ambulance or bus. At another hospital, a 66-year-old woman and a 10-year-old girl were in critical condition.
“The suspect allegedly shot his grandmother just before she entered the school,” Governor Greg Abbott told reporters. “I don’t remember the connection between these two shots.”
Biden prayed for grieving families
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said US President Joe Biden had been informed of the attack. “His prayers will speak to the families affected by this terrible event and upon his return to the White House tonight,” Jean-Pierre said.
Biden heard the news during Air Force One’s presidential flight. Back from a trip to Asia. He ordered the American flag to be flown at half-mast “as a sign of respect for the victims” in the White House and other government buildings.
The Texas attack is the latest in a series of attacks on US schools that have sparked a debate between proponents and opponents of tighter gun controls and Americans’ right to bear arms.
Source: NU
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
