A shooting has occurred at a high school in Texas. The story is ongoing and the perpetrator is in custody.
What we know
Around 7:45 am this Friday morning at Santa Fe High School, 35 miles from Houston, a student by the name of Dimitrios Pagourtzis, 17, brought a shotgun and a .35 revolver into the school and opened fire. Ten were killed and ten were injured in the shooting. Among the injured is retired Police officer John Barnes, who was hospitalized for a gunshot to the arm. The shooter was allegedly planning on taking his own life, but has been detained and is currently being held in Galveston County Jail on capital murder charges.
On April 30 the suspect posted a photo on Facebook of a custom shirt that had "BORN TO KILL" written on it. Other posts included a duster jacket with Nazi, communist, fascist, and religious symbols. The guns belonged to his father, who owned them legally. According to CNN, authorities later found explosive devices (such as pipe bombs and pressure cookers) in and near the school.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott called the shooting "one of the most heinous acts that we've ever seen in the history of Texas schools." President Donald Trump ordered the flags at half-staff in memory of the victims. In a speech on Friday afternoon, he said: "We grieve for the terrible loss of life and send our support to everyone affected by this absolutely horrific attack." He went on to express that, "Our Nation grieves with those affected by the shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas" and that this was "going on too long in our country." Education Secretary Betsy DeVos stated: "No student should have to experience the trauma suffered by so many today and in similar events prior.
We simply cannot allow this trend to continue."
March For Our Lives, the demonstration group created by the students of Parkland, has issued a statement of support for the students of Santa Fe High School.
Aftermath
When asked about the shooting, students reported being confused and the environment chaotic. Some wondered what prompted it and others were simply overwhelmed by fear.
One student told a reporter that she "always kind of felt like eventually, it was going to happen here" when asked if she had ever thought a shooting could take place at her school. From senators to Parkland survivors, condolences and outrage of yet another school shooting have been coming out since the news broke. Lawmakers are already talking about gun control.
Members of Congress such as Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi have taken to Twitter to voice their condolences and urge for change in the form of legislation.
22 school shootings in 2018.
— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) May 18, 2018
3 in the last week.
How many times must our hearts break hearing news like this - this time in Texas, at #SantaFeHighSchool?
This has to stop.
I am closely following reports out of Texas in the wake of today’s awful shooting. My heart is with the students & all who are waiting to hear from loved ones. Deeply thankful for our heroic first responders. Congress has a duty to take action to save lives. #neveragain
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) May 18, 2018
At least 8 students have been shot and killed at Santa Fe High School.
— Cameron Kasky (@cameron_kasky) May 18, 2018
Prepare to watch the NRA boast about getting higher donations.
Prepare to see students rise up and be called ‘civil terrorists’ and crisis actors.
Prepare for the right-wing media to attack the survivors.
Welcome to America, where it's a regular occurrence for students to run for their lives due to an active shooter!! #LandOfTheFree https://t.co/zkO5jKECxs
— john barnitt (@John_Barnitt) May 18, 2018
More information is yet to come as this breaking news develops.
