At Least Eight Killed in Houston-Area School Shooting

Officials say a suspect is in custody; shooting took place early Friday morning at Santa Fe High School

At least 8 people are dead in a Texas school shooting, according to a law enforcement official. The perpetrator, believed to be a student at the school, is now in custody. More details will be reported as they become available.

It was reported earlier:

Authorities are reporting that multiple deaths have occurred in a shooting at a high school in Santa Fe, Texas—near Houston. Officials also report a suspect is in custody.

The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, was treating three patients from the scene with gunshot wounds early Friday, according to David Marshall, the hospital’s chief nursing officer. Two were adults and one person was under the age of 18, he said, speaking during a news conference outside the facility.

The shooting took place early Friday morning at Santa Fe High School, authorities said. Students at the school told local TV news stations that the gunman burst into an art class at the school and opened fire, possibly with a shotgun.

The City of Santa Fe posted on a message that the shooter had been apprehended.

Television footage of the school showed several ambulances and a heavy police presence.

Santa Fe, a town of about 13,000, is about 35 miles from Houston.

Local and federal law enforcement from around the Houston area, including agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, were responding to the incident.

Students described a scene of chaos and confusion Friday morning as the gun shots rang out, someone rang the fire alarm and students started running for safety, according to local news reports.

President Donald Trump said Friday the administration was “closely monitoring the situation” and that federal authorities were coordinating with local officials in Santa Fe.

“We grieve for the terrible loss of life and send our support and love to everyone affected by this absolutely horrific attack,” Mr. Trump said. “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.”