Hospital officials public asked to avoid the area of Robb Elementary

At least 19 children and two adults are dead following a shooting Tuesday at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, according to Gov. Greg Abbott.

The Uvalde Police Department initially said the shooter was apprehended at Robb Elementary School where the incident occurred about 85 miles, west of San Antonio; however, Abbott said the shooter is dead.

According to the governor, 18-year-old Salvador Rolando Ramos is the person who police believe acted as a lone shooter in the incident at Robb Elementary School. It is believed he was armed with a handgun and possibly a rifle.

“He shot and killed, horrifically, incomprehensibly, 14 students and killed a teacher,” said the governor, before it was learned that more people were killed, adding that two officers were shot and wounded but were expected to survive.

Abbott said the gunman had a handgun and possibly a rifle.

President Joe Biden has ordered all flags at half-staff Wednesday as a show of respect to the victims. The flags are to remain at half-staff until sunset on May 28, according to a proclamation from the president.

Uvalde Memorial Hospital officials ask residents who are not immediate family members to stay away from the hospital at this time. The immediate family members of the injured students are asked to report to the Uvalde Memorial Hospital cafeteria on the second floor, health officials said.

The hospital announced on Facebook that it is holding an emergency blood drive Wednesday to help the victims of the shooting.

Police said that Robb Elementary students have been evacuated to the Willie DeLeon Civic Center as of 12:38 p.m. and parents are now allowed to pick up their children there at their regular dismissal times. Officers also said there will be no bus transportation and law enforcement will remain on campus to escort students to their parents’ cars.

There is still a large law enforcement presence at the school and officers encourage the public to stay away from the campus. The rest of the district is secure, police said.

The San Antonio Police Department has sent resources to the school and is ready to assist as needed, Police Chief William McManus said.

Homeland Security is also providing support and medical aid on scene and coordinating with federal, state and local partners, according to a tweet.

Officials say two officers were also struck by gunfire but were not seriously injured. It is also believed that Ramos shot his grandmother some time prior to the shooting.

According to information from city officials, Ramos is apparently from the town of Uvalde, which is 85 miles west of San Antonio, and was born on May 16, 2004.

According to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Ramos was said to have been shot and killed by authorities moments after the shooting. The students who currently attend that school are 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders.