The number of people killed in the Texas school tragedy on Tuesday continued to climb into the night as the number of fatalities jumped from 15 to at least 20.
The tragedy unfolded when an 18-year-old male stormed Robb Elementary School and began opening fire on students. The Daily Wire is not naming the suspect due to company policy about not giving notoriety to mass murderers.
Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez (D) told CNN that he was informed by Texas law enforcement officials that 18 children were killed along with three adults.
#BREAKING: Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez (D) — who represents Uvalde, Texas where the elementary school shooting took place — says on CNN that the death toll is now *21* people, including 18 children. pic.twitter.com/0eF5PXhJMx
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) May 24, 2022
Democrats immediately seized on the tragedy as many called for new gun control laws, while other Democrats used it as a cudgel to attack Republicans.
The shooting happened in the city of Uvalde, which is approximately 85 miles west of San Antonio and has a population of roughly 16,000 people.
“Texans across the state are grieving for the victims of this senseless crime and for the community of Uvalde,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said. “Cecilia and I mourn this horrific loss and we urge all Texans to come together to show our unwavering support to all who are suffering.”
“We thank the courageous first responders who worked to finally secure Robb Elementary School,” he continued. “I have instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers to work with local law enforcement to fully investigate this crime. The Texas Division of Emergency Management is charged with providing local officials all resources necessary to respond to this tragedy as the State of Texas works to ensure the community has what it needs to heal.”
Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX), who represents the district where the tragedy occurred, responded by saying that he was “heartbroken” by the day’s events.
“It is devastating when our innocent children become the victims of senseless violence. We are devastated,” he wrote. “While we monitor this situation, we remember that Uvalde, while rocked by today’s events, is strong and resilient. In this time of trepidation, our office is always here to do whatever we can to help. We are family and we will continue to be here for each other.”
This article has been expanded after publication to include additional information.