Uvalde school shooting Tuesday updates: Gunman kills 19 children, 2 teachers in school shooting

Megan Menchaca
Austin American-Statesman

The latest:Click here to follow the latest updates on the Uvalde, Texas school shooting

(This story is no longer being updated and only includes initial updates from Tuesday.)

A gunman killed 19 students and two teachers late Tuesday morning at a South Texas elementary school, Texas Department of Public Safety Lt. Chris Olivarez told the American-Statesman. 

The 18-year-old gunman shot his grandmother before driving to Robb Elementary School in Uvalde and, armed with a rifle, overpowered a school officer and entered the school, DPS Sgt. Erick Estrada told reporters. Estrada said the grandmother had been airlifted to a hospital and was in critical condition. Gov. Greg Abbott said earlier Tuesday that the woman had died.

A U.S. Border Protection agent, one of several officers responding to the scene, shot and killed the gunman, a senior Department of Homeland Security official told USA TODAY on Tuesday night.

The DHS official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation, said the agent was shot in the foot or lower leg when confronting the gunman, and was treated at a local hospital for his injuries, the DHS official said.

Olivarez, the on-scene spokesman for DPS, said the gunman was wearing body armor and fired as many as several hundred rounds.

The shooting is the deadliest school shooting in Texas history, and the third deadliest school shooting in modern U.S. history. 

This story will be updated as more information becomes available. 

More:Live updates Wednesday: What we've learned about Uvalde, Texas school shooting

Uvalde families wait for updates on their children, provide DNA samples 

Families affected by the mass shooting were directed to the SSGT Willie de Leon Civic Center where they waited for hours for any news of their loved ones. 

Uvalde police, DPS troopers, FBI and victim services officials with therapy dogs operated out of the civic center throughout the day, American-Statesman reporter Niki Griswold reported.

By nightfall many families were still waiting, hoping to hear that their children were in a hospital in Uvalde or San Antonio. The alternative would be their worst nightmare. 

Many families reported that they provided DNA samples as requested by authorities to help identify victims. 

By 10:30 p.m., several families had emerged from the building sobbing, in a heartbreaking scene.

Families hold prayer circle, wait for news

Several families gathered in Uvalde for a prayer circle Tuesday night just down the street from the SSGT Willie de Leon Civic Center, where many were still waiting for news of the children.

Pastor Jaime Cabralez of the Jesus Christ Revealed Ministries organized the prayer circle just up the road from Robb Elementary, American-Statesman reporter Luz Moreno-Lozano reported.

Ramona Estrada Diego, who works at a health clinic just around the corner from the elementary school said she is happy both her children, who do not attend the school, are safe tonight but she hurts for her neighbors and friends who lost their loved ones.

“This is a small town,” she said. “Everyone knows each other, so when one of us hurts we all hurt.”

Estrada Diego, who has lived in Uvalde all her life, said when she dropped her children off at school this morning she didn’t think she’d be picking them up this way.

“You know you hear about these things elsewhere and you never think it’ll happen here,” she said. “It just leaves you without words.”

DHS: U.S. Border Patrol agent wounded in gunfire exchange

Marsha Espinosa, assistant secretary of public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, said that U.S. Border Patrol agents who responded faced gunfire from the suspect — who was barricaded inside — after entering the building, and at least one agent was wounded. 

In a tweet, she said that on-and-off duty Border Patrol Agents also arrived on the scene to assist with transferring students safely to their families and providing medical support.

“Risking their own lives, these Border Patrol Agents and other officers put themselves between the shooter and children on the scene to draw the shooter’s attention away from potential victims and save lives,” Espinosa said.

President Joe Biden calls on lawmakers to “stand up to the gun lobby”

President Joe Biden on Tuesday called on lawmakers to “stand up to the gun lobby” and take action following the shooting, USA Today reporter Rebecca Morin reported. 

“I had hoped when I became President I would not have to do this again. Another massacre,” Biden said in remarks at the White House. “Beautiful, innocent second, third and fourth graders.”

Biden said during his remarks that Americans have to make it clear to every elected official that it is time to act on gun control.

“I am sick and tired of it. We have to act," Biden said. "Don’t tell me we can’t have an impact on this carnage.”

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona issues statement

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said his heart was aching for all the families in Uvalde. He said he was filled with concern that the fear of shootings “has become all too real once again” and anger at the lack of will to pass legislation to protect children. 

Cardona said in a statement that the Department of Education is offering federal resources through its Project SERV program and other support for families, educators and staff.

“I pray our nation has not grown numb to the horrors that unfolded today at Robb Elementary School, when the lives of 18 precious children and a devoted educator were cut short,” Cardona said. “How many more lives must be lost before we realize that we, the people, and those we elect, have the power and the opportunity to ensure this never happens again?”

Local hospital reports four patients; two in critical condition

University Health, a hospital in San Antonio, reported on Tuesday evening that they have four patients: a 66-year-old woman in critical condition; a 10-year-old girl in critical condition; a 10-year-old girl in good condition and a 9-year-old girl in good condition.

Uvalde CISD police chief, superintendent provides update on shooting

Pete Arredondo, the chief of police at the Uvalde school district, said the police are still working on an active investigation. He said they are not actively looking for another suspect.

Uvalde school district Superintendent Hal Harrell said school and all school activities are canceled for the rest of the year, including graduation. Grief counseling also will be offered at the Willie de Leon Civic Center starting at 10 a.m., he said.

“This was a tragic senseless event today,” Harrell said. “My heart is broken today. Our hearts and thoughts and prayers are with all our families as we go through this day."

‘Enough is enough:’ Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on shooting

Vice President Kamala Harris said Tuesday that American leaders need to take action to ensure another incident like the Uvalde school shooting does not happen again, according to USA Today reporter Rebecca Morin.

“Enough is enough,” Harris said during remarks at the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies 20th Annual Awards Gala. “As a nation, we have to have the courage to take action and understand the nexus between what makes for reasonable and sensible public policy to ensure something like this never happens again.”

Gov. Abbott directs Texas flag lowered to half-staff

Abbott directed that the Texas flag be immediately lowered to half-staff across the state on Tuesday until Saturday at sunset in memory of the people who lost their lives in the school shooting.

"The First Lady and I extend our prayers of comfort to the survivors and the families of the victims, and we will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers," Abbott said.

AP: Border Patrol agent who responded to shooting wounded by gunman

The Associated Press reported that a federal law enforcement official, who was not named, said the gunman shot a Border Patrol agent who responded to the shooting.

White House issues proclamation honoring victims; orders flags half-staff

President Joe Biden issued a proclamation ordering U.S flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds until sunset on May 28.

The White House made the proclamation as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence” at the school.

School shooting reaction:Gov. Greg Abbott, LeBron James react after 15 killed in school shooting in Uvalde, Texas

Organizations seeking blood donations

The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center is holding an emergency blood drive on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Herby Ham Activity Center. Walk up donors are welcome.

University Health in San Antonio is also seeking blood donations, and the hospital’s donor room has availability for the rest of the week. People can schedule to donate online.

More:Blood drives set up for victims of Texas elementary school shooting. How you can help.

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Local officials respond to shooting

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said San Antonio has sent mass casualty resources to the region and is working to help people heal.

“Uvalde is experiencing the sickening aftermath of a horrific mass shooting. At least 14 children and a teacher are gone,” Nirenberg wrote in a tweet. “Pray for the lost, their families, and Uvalde.”

Bexar County Judge Nelson W. Wolff said Bexar County is sending personnel and material from the Office of Emergency Management, Medical Examiner’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, and University Hospital to support the ongoing operations.

"It is with profound grief and broken hearts that we learn about the news coming our way this afternoon,” Wolff said in a tweet. "We stand united with the community in Uvalde and offer our assistance.”

Uvalde shooting scene:Photos and videos show scene at Robb Elementary School

U.S. senators from Texas respond to shooting

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said he was in touch with local officials in Uvalde and will be monitoring the situation. He said the shooting was every parent and teacher’s worst nightmare, and no parent, child, or teacher should have to wonder whether it’s safe to go to school.

“This is an excruciatingly difficult time for the tight-knit Uvalde community and for all Texans as we mourn this terrible tragedy,” Cornyn said in a statement. “My heart goes out to those in the hospital receiving care and to the loved ones of those who lost their lives. As a parent, the pain they must be feeling is unimaginable.”

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said he and his wife are lifting up in prayer the children and families in the horrific shooting in Uvalde.

“We are in close contact with local officials, but the precise details are still unfolding,” Cruz wrote on Twitter. “Thank you to heroic law enforcement & first responders for acting so swiftly.”

Uvalde CISD Chief of Police gives information on timeline of school shooting

Pete Arredondo, the chief of police at the Uvalde school district, gave a statement on the shooting. He said the shooting occurred at around about 11:32 a.m. Tuesday. There were "several injuries, adults and students" and "some deaths." The suspect acted alone.

President Biden plans to address Uvalde shooting later Tuesday evening

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that President Joe Biden was briefed on the "horrific news of the elementary school shooting in Texas." She said he would be briefed regularly as more information becomes available.

"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," Jean-Pierre said in a tweet.

Gov. Abbott calls for investigation into Uvalde School shooting

Abbott said he was instructing the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers to work with local law enforcement to investigate this crime.

“Texans across the state are grieving for the victims of this senseless crime and for the community of Uvalde," Abbott said in a statement. "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."

Where is Uvalde, Texas?

Robb Elementary School in Uvalde is the site of the deadliest school shooting in Texas history. Uvalde lies just east of the Nueces River and is about 85 miles west of San Antonio. It has a population of about 16,000 people.

Robb Elementary, part of the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, has an enrollment of just under 600 students. The district initially put all campuses on lockdown after gunshots were fired, and it canceled all district and campus activities, after-school programs and events.

Robb Elementary students were transported to the Willie DeLeon Civic Center for reunification after the shooting.