(Stillness in the Storm Editor) Earlier today, a Santa Fe Texas high school was the target of the latest mass shooting attack. Explosive devices were found on scene, and 10 people have reportedly died, the majority of which are students. At this time, no indications of false flag activity have emerged, aside from the usual efforts by the media to sensationalize the story. However, there are already indications that this story is being used to push for gun control legislation.
Florida Parkland shooting survivors, who have earned notoriety due to the tragic event they suffered, have already taken to social media decrying gun violence and the NRA. This point alone suggests that the powers that be will use this tragedy as another tool for changing social policy and swaying public opinion.
We’ll report on this emerging story as it unfolds.
– Justin
by Andrew Buncombe, Clark Mindock, May 18th, 2018
Key Points
- President Donald Trump has responded to the shooting, saying that the US is grieving for the loss of life
- Officials say that they found explosive devices in the school, and nearby the high school
- The suspected shooter has been identified as a 17-year-old student
- Medical officials at the University of Texas medical branch say that they have received three patients, and one is undergoing surgery
At least eight people have been killed in a shooting at a high school in Santa Fe, Texas, in the latest gun violence in a country still shaken by the massacre at a Florida high school in February.
A majority of those who died were students, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
The suspected shooter – identified as a 17-year-old male is in custody and a student at the school. Sheriff Gonzalez said that the campus – about 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Houston – is still considered an active crime scene.
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“Every day, the Federal Commission on School Safety is working to identify proven ways to prevent violence and keep our students safe at school. Our work remains urgent. Our nation must come together and address the underlying issues that lead to such tragic and senseless loss of life.”
More on the explosives found near the school:
Explosive devices found at scene of Texas school shooting
The IndependentThe Santa Fe, Texas, school district and police have said there were explosive devices found in the Santa Fe High school and in a building off campus. “There have been confirmed reports of explosives found on the campus and off the campus,” Santa Fe Police Chief Jeff Powell said, adding: “That’s our main concern is to keep our community safe”. The building has been evacuated after a shooter opened fire and killed at least eight people and injured several others, Chief Walter Braun of Santa Fe Independent School District Police confirmed.
CNN is quoting a law enforcement official who says 10 people are dead in the Texas high school shooting; nine of those killed are students and one a teacher. Once again, this has not been officially confirmed.
Man turns up at scene of Texas shooting with US flag and gun saying ‘Make America Great Again’
The IndependentA man holding a large American flag, carrying a gun, was at the scene of the Sante Fe High School shooting in Texas and said “Make America Great Again”. He was speaking to local KHOU-TV reporters near the scene where there are possibly multiple fatalities. The man said he was there to “offer support” but it was unclear what kind of support he was offering by echoing US President Donald Trump’s now-famous slogan.
“There have been explosive devices found in the high school and the area surrounding the high school,” one official said during an afternoon press conference.
We grieve for the terrible loss of life, and send our support and love to everyone affected by this horrible attack in Texas. To the students, families, teachers and personnel at Santa Fe High School – we are with you in this tragic hour, and we will be with you forever… pic.twitter.com/LtJ0D29Hsv
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 18, 2018
Leila Butler told the local ABC affiliate that fire alarms went off at about 7:45 a.m. local time (1245 GMT) and students left their classrooms. She said some students believe they heard shots fired, and that she was sheltering with other students and teachers near campus.
Local media reporting that suspected shooter walked into classroom, said “surprise” and then continued firing. Not yet confirmed, by the police.
Heidi and I are keeping all the students and faculty at Santa Fe High School in our prayers this morning, along with all first responders on the scene. Please be safe and heed warnings from local officials. https://t.co/5Un3Y4IA86
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) May 18, 2018
Students survivors of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are speaking up in support of their peers in Santa Fe.
“Get ready for two weeks of media coverage of politicians acting like they give a s*** when in reality they just want to boost their approval ratings before midterms,” David Hogg, one of the most prominent of the Parkland students, wrote.
Santa Fe High, you didn’t deserve this. You deserve peace all your lives, not just after a tombstone saying that is put over you. You deserve more than Thoughts and Prayers, and after supporting us by walking out we will be there to support you by raising up your voices.
— Emma González (@Emma4Change) May 18, 2018
Just last month at Santa Fe High School. We won’t stop fighting until #NeverAgain becomes a reality. https://t.co/RC4sPifkfN
— Jaclyn Corin (@JaclynCorin) May 18, 2018
Hoping things get better. Hoping things can change. Don’t tell me that there isn’t a shooting problem in this country. The perpetuating gun violence we face is ridiculous. https://t.co/dHeXH5Fo9B
— Alex Wind (@al3xw1nd) May 18, 2018
At least 8 students have been shot and killed at Santa Fe High School.
Prepare to watch the NRA boast about getting higher donations.
Prepare to see students rise up and be called ‘civil terrorists’ and crisis actors.
Prepare for the right-wing media to attack the survivors.
— Cameron Kasky (@cameron_kasky) May 18, 2018
Gyl Switzer, executive director of Texas Gun Sense, issued a statement: “Our hearts go out to those affected by today’s shooting at Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe Texas. We Texans love our children. We must do a better job of protecting them. There are proven strategies to reduce senseless gun violence. Today, Texas Gun Sense re-doubles our commitment to stop the killing. Work with us.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a statement: “The thoughts and prayers of all Texans are with the people of Santa Fe and those affected by today’s tragic shooting. As horrific reports come out of Santa Fe High School, my office stands ready to assist local law enforcement as needed.”
From the Houston Chronicle, The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston has received three patients, the hospital reported on social media. Two are adults and one is under 18.
Clear Lake Regional Medical Center in Webster received seven injured students, a spokeswoman for that facility said. Previous reports that an injured officer was taken there are wrong, she said. Two other injured students were taken to Mainland Medical Center in Texas City, she said.
“This has been my fear since February 14th, that another mass casualty shooting would happen before we did anything,” he tweeted. “Now, we have 8 more children dead and our leadership in Washington has done nothing. We do not need thoughts and prayers, we need action and we need it now.”
President Donald Trump has tweeted about the shooting in typical fashion.
School shooting in Texas. Early reports not looking good. God bless all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 18, 2018
Here is out latest full report:
“There are multiple fatalities. It could be anywhere between eight to 10,” the sheriff told a press briefing.
At least nine people were taken to area hospitals for treatment, hospital officials said. The conditions of those people was not immediately clear. Mr Gonzalez said a police officer was also being treated for injuries.
Explosive devices had also been found at the school and off campus, Gonzalez tweeted. “Law enforcement is in the process of rendering them safe. School has been evacuated.”
President Donald Trump called the shooting heartbreaking and said that federal and local authorities were coordinating in the wake of the gun attack.
“My administration is determined to do everything in our power to protect our students, secure our schools and to keep weapons out of the hands of those who pose a threat to themselves and to others,” Mr Trump said at the White House.
Student Leila Butler told the local ABC affiliate that fire alarms went off at about 7.45am local time and students left their classrooms. She said some students believe they heard shots fired, and that she was sheltering with other students and teachers near campus.
Another student, Dakota Shrader, told Fox 26 TV her 17-year-old girlfriend told her by phone that she was wounded but was recovering in a hospital. “My friend got injured,” said an emotional Shrader. “Her leg, she got shot in the leg.”
Dr David Marshall, chief nursing officer at the University of Texas Medical Branch, said that the hospital was treating at least three patients – two adults and one person under 18. He said it was not immediately clear if that child was a student.
“I know that they have gunshot wounds but that’s the extent of the knowledge I have at this point,” Marshall told reporters at a news conference. “One adult is in our operating room.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a statement on the shooting: “The thoughts and prayers of all Texans are with the people of Santa Fe and those affected by today’s tragic shooting. As horrific reports come out of Santa Fe High School, my office stands ready to assist local law enforcement as needed.”
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