Texas Governor Greg Abbott has labeled the school shooting that has left at least 14 children and one teacher dead a 'horrible tragedy'.
An 18-year-old gunman, named as Salvador Ramos, opened fire at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
Multiple others have been injured in the attack and responding officers say the suspect was shot by authorities.
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Associated Press reports 13 children have been taken to hospital, and a 66-year-old woman is in a critical condition.
The rest of the school faculty has been evacuated to the Sgt. Willie Deleon Civic Center and parents have been told they can pick up their children from this reunification site.
Governor Abbott has offered his condolences to those affected by the incident.
"What happened in Uvalde is a horrific tragedy that cannot be tolerated in the state of Texas. There is swift action being taken by local law enforcement," he said.
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He added: "Texans across the state are grieving for the victims of this senseless crime and for the community of Uvalde.
"Cecilia and I mourn this horrific loss and we urge all Texans to come together to show our unwavering support to all who are suffering.
"We thank the courageous first responders who worked to finally secure Robb Elementary School.
"I have instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers to work with local law enforcement to fully investigate this crime.
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"The Texas Division of Emergency Management is charged with providing local officials all resources necessary to respond to this tragedy as the State of Texas works to ensure the community has what it needs to heal.”
An investigation is underway into the motives behind the attack.
Governor Abbott said the 18-year-old gunman reportedly shot his grandmother before launching his deadly attack at Robb Elementary School.
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Ramos was a US citizen and a student at Uvalde High School.
At the moment, authorities are suggesting this appears to be a lone wolf attack.
Pete Arredondo, the chief of police for the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, said in a statement: “At this point, the investigation is leading to tell us that the suspect did act alone during this heinous crime."
US President Joe Biden has been briefed on the tragedy and 'will continue to be briefed regularly as information becomes available', according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
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If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Stewart Perrie