Texas gunman foreshadowed shooting through online posts
A family pays their respects next to crosses bearing the names of Tuesday’s shooting victims at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
OAN NEWSROOM
UPDATED 7:08 AM PT – Thursday, May 26, 2022
A small community in Texas is mourning following the deadly mass shooting at a school. At least 19 students and two adults were killed Tuesday when a gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, which is located West of San Antonio.
Officials from the local school district said their hearts are broken and their thoughts as well as their prayers are with all the families affected by the tragedy. They also said grief counseling and support will be available for students, staff and community members.
This comes as investigators are trying to determine a motive in the shooting after suspect Salvador Ramos, 18, opened fire at the school. According to authorities, he acted alone and shot dead by responding police officers. The gunman reportedly purchased a pair of rifles along with 375 rounds of ammunition at a local sporting goods store back in March.
Texas Governor Gregg Abbott (R) has provided more insight into what led up to Tuesday’s mass school shooting. In a press conference Wednesday, he said the 18-year-old gunman was reportedly a high school drop out who may have had a juvenile record.
Provided an update today on the ongoing response to the horrific tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.
As Texans, we must come together in support of the entire Uvalde community during this time of heartbreak and healing.https://t.co/zq5vEMiwBE
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) May 25, 2022
The governor added, the shooter made three disturbing Facebook posts shortly before he reached the school. In the social media posts, he said he shot his grandmother in the face and alluded to his plans of attacking the school. The governor credited law enforcement for quickly arriving to the scene and running toward gunfire to prevent further loss of life.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed their condolences for the families who lost loved ones in Texas. On Tuesday, nearly every legislator took to social to send out sympathies following the mass shooting.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) offered up prayers. Additionally, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds (R) ordered flags in her state to be flown at half-staff through Saturday in honor and remembrance of the victims.
I've ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff immediately through sunset on Saturday in honor and remembrance of the victims in the tragic shooting at an elementary school in Texas today.https://t.co/mvwzLV8wo4
— Gov. Kim Reynolds (@IAGovernor) May 24, 2022
Even former members of Congress spoke out with Tulsi Gabbard grieving the loss while suggesting schools should establish a single point of entry, have armed guards, trained staff and mental health services.
President Joe Biden also addressed the nation following the tragic shooting. He commented about how had previously spoken following the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting while noting there have been over 900 reported incidents of gunfire on school grounds since that incident.
“Why are we willing to live with this carnage? Why do we keep letting this happen?” Biden asked. “Where in God’s name is our backbone to have the courage to deal with it? It’s time to turn this pain into action.”
Meanwhile, the shooting remains under investigation as police try to determine the motive behind the massacre. On Wednesday, police revealed all 21 victims, 19 students and two teachers, were in the same fourth grade classroom when the gunman entered and opened fire.