Texas

Explosive Devices Found At and Around Texas School Following Deadly Shooting: Police

Explosive devices have been found at Santa Fe High School, the scene of the shooting, and off campus, officials said

Explosive devices were found on and off the high school campus in southern Texas where a mass school shooting left between eight and 10 people dead Friday morning, including students and staff, authorities said.

Local officials warned residents to be aware and report any suspicious items after the explosive devices were found not just at the school but in areas "adjacent to the school."

"Be on the lookout for any suspicious items," Santa Fe Independent School District Police Chief Walter Braun said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to our students, staff and our community. Please pray for SFISD."

Many details about the shooting still remained unclear, including the suspect's identity and whether he acted alone. A federal law enforcement source told NBC News that the suspected gunman was 17; under Texas law, a 17-year-old person is considered an adult.

Students at the school, about 30 miles southeast of Houston, described hearing gunshots around when a fire alarm went off, then being told to run from the school.

"Whoever did this is really selfish and cold-hearted," student Dakota Shrader said. "These are innocent people at this school. We did nothing to deserve this."

[NATL] 10 People Dead in Santa Fe High School Shooting

The majority of the up to 10 people killed were students and a male believed to be a student was in custody, said Ed Gonzalez, sheriff of nearby Harris County. The shooting occurred in Galveston County.

Gonzalez also said a second person had been detained and questioned and that a school district police officer was injured and is being treated. Officers were sweeping the school, he said.

He believed the shooting began before 8 a.m.

The shooter was "arrested and secured," Santa Fe High School Assistant Principal Cris Richardson told reporters outside the school.

"We hope the worst is over and I really can't say any more about that because it would be pure speculation," Richardson said, asking parents to stay calm and saying the school handled the situation as best as possible.

President Donald Trump tweeted about the shooting, saying, "Early reports not looking good. God bless all!" First lady Melania Trump tweeted that her heart goes out to Santa Fe and Texas.

Trump later said at the White House he was monitoring the situation and pledged the government would help at all levels.

"We grieve for the terrible loss of life and send our love and support to everyone affected by the absolutely horrific attack," Trump said.

Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted that he is traveling to the scene and would give an update at 1 p.m. CT.

"This morning an incident occurred at the high school involving an active shooter. The district has initiated a lockdown. We will send out additional information as soon as it is available," the Santa Fe Independent School District said on its Facebook page.

The district later added that the situation was contained and that "there have been confirmed injuries."

Students told NBC affiliate KPRC they heard gunshots. The station reported that two Life Flight medical helicopters were seen at the school, located about 30 miles southeast of Houston.

[NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More

Students started leaving their classrooms when they heard what appeared to be a fire alarm, student Dakota Shrader told KPRC, but soon teachers were telling them to run. She and a friend ran into the forest.

"Nobody knew what to do, all we did was run. There was nothing we could do but run," she said.

A friend of hers was shot in the leg but is recovering in the hospital, Schrader said. She was upset and said she didn't feel safe in school or the town anymore.

School Shooting Incidents Since 2013

Everytown.org defines the incidents mapped below as any time a firearm discharges a live round inside or into a school building or on or onto a school campus or grounds, as documented by the press and, when necessary, confirmed through further inquiries with law enforcement or school officials. Incidents in which guns were brought into schools but not discharged are not included.

Source: Everytown.org, NBC Staff Reports
Last updated on Nov. 14, 2019

Angelica Martinez, a ninth-grade student, said it seemed like it was a fire drill at first.

"It was a fire drill, so we followed the procedures ... we didn't know it was an intruder," she said on MSNBC, adding she would probably have hidden if she knew it had been an intruder.

Her mother, Angie Martinez, said she was on the phone with Angelica during the incident, telling her to run to a nearby gas station or find a hiding place.

"I thank God that a guardian angel was protecting her or something because she made it out alive," Martinez sad.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us