Updated Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, 6:40 p.m. EST: The Washington Post reports that at least 17 people are said to be dead in the Wednesday-afternoon shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.
Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel told reporters that 12 people were killed inside the school, three more died outside and two others died at area hospitals.
Law enforcement officials have identified the shooter as Nikolas Cruz. Cruz is reportedly in custody at this time.
Updated Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, 5 p.m. EST: CNN reports that at least two are dead in the Wednesday-afternoon shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.
Updated Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, 4:22 p.m. EST: The Broward County Sheriff’s Office has reported that the shooter is now in custody and that there are at least 14 injured.
Updated Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, 4:05 p.m. EST: President Donald Trump has sent out two tweets in light of the high school shooting in Parkland, Fla., on Wednesday, saying that he’s spoken to the governor and that his “prayers and condolences” go out to the affected families.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders also released a statement about the shooting, saying that the Department of Homeland Security is involved. Trump has also offered federal assistance if needed. The statement reads:
The president has spoken with Gov. Scott of Florida and offered federal assistance if needed. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Nielsen also spoke with Gov. Scott as well as state and local officials. She has briefed the president on those conversations. The governor, the secretary, and other administration officials will continue to keep the president updated.
In light of this tragedy there will not be a regularly scheduled briefing as previously announced. We will inform you as more information is available.
We continue to keep the victims, and their friends and family, in our thoughts and prayers.
Earlier:
Yet another school shooting has happened in the Second Amendment-loving USA.
This time, the tragedy took place at a Parkland, Fla., high school on Wednesday afternoon, just as school was letting out for the day.
CNN reports that SWAT team members locked down Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, but the shooter remains at large.
Although details are still missing, social media updates are coming in, including one from WPLG-TV that shows video of students scattering out of the school. Some students and staff are still reportedly locked inside.
The Margate Fire Rescue has deemed this a mass-casualty incident, which means at least 20 people have been injured. There is still no update on how many casualties there may be.
The Coral Springs Police Department said on its Twitter account Wednesday that the school was locked down and that students and teachers inside should remain barricaded until police reach them.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office, which is also responding to the scene, is asking the public not to come to the area.
Rep. Frederica Wilson, a Democrat who represents part of South Florida, tweeted her thoughts and prayers.
This story will be updated pending further details.