According to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, 10 people have been killed with another 10 people injured at Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas southeast of Houston after a suspect opened fire inside the building around 7:30 am on Friday, May 18.
The Harris County, TX Sheriff’s Office confirmed a “multiple casualty incident” occurred at around 7:30 am local time when gunfire rang out at Santa Fe High School. The school is a part of the Santa Fe Independent School District. The first call made to police came at 7:32 am, according to Galveston County Judge Mark Henry.
#UPDATE
Dr. Superintendent Leigh Wall:
It is with great sadness that I stand here to share with you that we experienced an unthinkable tragedy at our high school this morning. We are grieving the loss of members of our SFISD family. #SantaFeISD— Santa Fe ISD (@SantaFeISD) May 18, 2018
The Harris County Sheriff’s office has one suspect in custody, and one person of interest is being held. According to Abbott, journals on the suspect’s computer and phone said that he wanted to commit the shooting before killing himself.
Two weapons were found on scene, according to Abbott, including a shotgun and a .38 revolver that were legally owned by the suspect’s father.
Explosive devices within the high school and in surrounding adjacent areas have also been found, according to the HCSO.
According to Abbott, searches are ongoing at two residences where there are the potential of explosives including a CO2 device and Molotov cocktail that were already detected by police.
We are assisting @SantaFeISD with a multiple-casualty incident at Santa Fe High School. This is no longer an active shooting situation and the injured are being treated. #hounews pic.twitter.com/m7Wuauk9jk
— HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) May 18, 2018
A Facebook post from the Santa Fe Independent School District confirms that “an incident” involving an active shooter occurred, and has been contained. Several people were injured, and law enforcement is working to secure the building and initiate protocols to safely release students.
Explosive devices have been "found in the high school & surrounding areas adjacent to the high school. Because of the threat of these explosive items, community members should be on the lookout for any suspicious items," Santa Fe ISD police chief says https://t.co/oqRZUFvJK4 pic.twitter.com/nBg6YTl2XV
— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 18, 2018
Santa Fe High School assistant principal Cris Robinson said that one suspect has been placed under arrest.
The University of Texas Medical Branch spokesperson Raul Reyes said that 3 patients have been taken to a hospital in Galveston. Six total people were transported with injuries, according to Santa Fe ISD’ Police Chief, Walter Braun.
UPDATE: 10 dead, 10 injured in shooting at Santa Fe High School, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott confirms in press conference https://t.co/RKzmCQIVNi pic.twitter.com/xY4H6q0Hdg
— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 18, 2018
Time to “take action”
Abbott announced a plan to hold roundtable discussions with parents, students, concerned students, and everyone else with an interest in the shooting to work immediately on “swift solutions” to prevent shootings like this. He listed background checks, and strategies to keep guns out of people that could endanger others as potential solutions.