Where Things Stand: Abbott Says 14 Children And One Teacher Killed In School Shooting

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Texas Governor Greg Abbott glances at his notes while delivering a speech at the Houston Region Business Coalition's monthly meeting on October 27, 2021 in Houston, Texas. Abbott spoke on... HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Texas Governor Greg Abbott glances at his notes while delivering a speech at the Houston Region Business Coalition's monthly meeting on October 27, 2021 in Houston, Texas. Abbott spoke on Texas' economic achievements and gave an update on the state's business environment. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) MORE LESS

May 24, 2022 6:13 p.m.

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Just days after New York state was rocked by a devastating mass shooting in Buffalo where 10 people were killed by a white gunman, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) confirmed this afternoon that more than a dozen children were murdered in a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

A lone 18-year-old gunman abandoned his vehicle and entered Robb Elementary School just before noon with a handgun, Abbott said at a news conference this afternoon. Authorities believe the suspected shooter may have also had a rifle.

“He shot and killed horrifically, incomprehensibly, 14 students and killed a teacher,” Abbott said.

The suspected gunman is also dead, Abbott said. The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District’s chief of police, Pete Arredondo, told reporters this afternoon that several other children and adults were injured in the attack. At least two children were confirmed dead at the scene and others were transported to the local hospital. Hospital officials said earlier Tuesday afternoon that several other children were being treated in the emergency room there.

“At this point the investigation is leading to tell us that the suspect did act alone during this heinous crime,” Chief Arredondo said, according to the New York Times.

There were two days left in Robb Elementary’s school year.

The White House said the President has been briefed on the attack. He’s currently flying back to the U.S. from Japan and will address the nation at 8:15 p.m ET.

“His prayers are with the families impacted by this awful event, and he will speak this evening when he arrives back at the White House,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

As the Times and others have noted, the National Rifle Association is planning to hold its annual gathering in Houston this Friday. Former President Trump and Abbott are scheduled to address the conference.