Governor Greg Abbott gives update on Robb Elementary School shooting

UVALDE, Texas — UPDATE: Governor Greg Abbott will hold a press conference today at 12:30 PM following a briefing to provide an update on the state’s coordinated response on the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde.

He will be joined by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dade Phelan, Senator John Cornyn, Senator Ted Cruz, Congressman Tony Gonzalez, State Representative Tracy King, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steve McCraw, Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Mike Morath, Uvalde Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez, Uvalde School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo, and other local officials.

Beto O'Rourke approached the panel and address Governor Greg Abbott, saying "... you are doing nothing." Several others were heard saying "you are out of line."

FULL VIDEO HERE:

UPDATE: WOAI has confirmed that 18 children and 2 adults have now lost their lives during the shooting in Uvalde.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said 14 children and one teacher are dead after a shooting Tuesday afternoon at a Texas elementary school, officials confirmed.

The incident was addressed during a press conference today while the governor gave an update on the wildfire efforts in Abilene. “What happened in Uvalde is a horrific tragedy that cannot be tolerated in the state of Texas,” Abbott said. “He shot and killed — horrifically, incomprehensibly — 14 students, and killed a teacher."

The suspect was reportedly a student at Uvalde High School and is a U.S. citizen, Abbott said the 18-year-old shooter, Salvador Romas, who is now deceased. President Biden has been briefed on the incident and is expected to speak this evening when he returns to the White House.

More updates will be provided as new information is released. For more on the story, click here.

Senator John Cornyn has also issued a statement following the incident.

“The shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde is every parent and teacher’s worst nightmare. No parent, child, or teacher should ever have to wonder whether it’s safe to go to school, he said. "This is an excruciatingly difficult time for the tight-knit Uvalde community and for all Texans as we mourn this terrible tragedy. 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.”

Senator Cruz also made a statement regarding the shooting. "Today is a dark day. We’re all completely sickened and heartbroken. As of now, 15 innocent people are dead. 14 were children. Others are still in critical condition or otherwise injured, and we are all praying for each of them. I’m grateful for the heroes in law enforcement and first responders who responded to the scene and stopped the killer. Heidi and I are lifting up in prayer the entire Uvalde community during this devastating time and we mourn the lives that were taken by this act of evil. None of us can imagine the anguish the parents in Uvalde are going through. Our hearts go out to them."

“We’ve seen too many of these shootings. No parent should have to bear the pain of burying their child. We need to come together, as one nation, and support Uvalde as they try to heal from this devastating loss.”

Congressman Jodey Arrington also responded to the shooting, “The elementary school shooting in Uvalde is an unfathomable evil and absolutely heartbreaking for all involved. There will be more information and time for discussion in the days ahead but, for now, we must pray for these families.”

You can watch the full video with Governor Greg Abbott here:

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