Rachel Lang
More than a dozen children are dead after an active shooter opened fire at an elementary school in Texas.
The Texas Governor's Office confirmed the deaths to CNN.
Eighteen children and two adults have died, according to current reports, following the incident at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.
The suspect is now dead and Governor Greg Abbott has confirmed the shooter was an 18-year-old.
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“It's believed that he abandoned his vehicle and entered into the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde with a handgun and he may have also had a rifle, but that is not yet confirmed according to my most recent report,” Gov. Abbott said.
"It's believed that responding officers killed him. It appears that two responding officers were struck by rounds but have no serious injuries."
He added: "What happened in Uvalde is a horrific tragedy that cannot be tolerated in the state of Texas. There is swift action being taken by local law enforcement."
School administrators confirmed the shooting started near campus, with the gunman managing to infiltrate the school despite it being under lockdown.
ABC also reports that a further 13 students are being treated in the Uvalde Memorial Hospital's emergency department following the shooting.
Two children have been transferred to other hospitals, with a third awaiting transport.
“Immediate family of those students are to report to the cafeteria on the second floor. UMH staff will be in constant communication with the family members," the hospital said in a public statement.
The hospital added: "If you are not an immediate family member, we are asking you to refrain from coming to the hospital at this time."
A 45-year-old has also been hospitalised after being grazed by a bullet, the hospital revealed.
A 66-year-old woman is also in critical condition, with University Health confirming they are also treating a child.
Earlier on Tuesday, 24 May, the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District confirmed in a statement that an active shooter was at Robb Elementary School.
People were urged to stay away from the school as the situation unfolded.
"There is an active shooter at Robb Elementary," the school district said on Twitter.
"Law enforcement is on site. Your cooperation is needed at this time by not visiting the campus. As soon as more information is gathered it will be shared."
The Uvalde Police Department has confirmed that the shooter is now in police custody.
The school grounds remain an active crime scene.
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