17 Killed, More Injured in FL School Shooting; Suspect in Custody (UPDATED)
Police in South Florida are converging on Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School due to reports of a shooting incident.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office has said the Parkland school is on lockdown over a reported “active shooter” situation, and they are advising people to avoid the area.
#BSO is working a developing incident regarding a report of active shooter located at 5901 Pine Island Rd, Parkland. Here's what we know so far: deputies are responding to reports of a shooting at Stoneman Douglas High. There are reports of victims. PIO will be on scene 3:15pm.
— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
Avoid the area of Stoneman Douglas HS. #BSO is currently working a developing incident regarding a report of active shooter.
— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
Follow @browardsheriff for latest info on the #stonemanshooting. Shooter still at large.
— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
An hour and a half after the first alert went out, the office announced that the shooter is in custody. They have also confirmed that at least 14 people have been shot, though the extent of their injuries and precise number of fatalities remain unknown.
Shooter is now in custody. Scene is still active. #stonemanshooting
— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
So far we have at least 14 victims. Victims have been and continue to be transported to Broward Health Medical Center and Broward Health North hospital. #StonemanShooting
— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
During a press conference, Sheriff Scott Israel announced that they located the shooter off-campus. He also announced that there were “multiple” casualties and the suspect is not a student at the school.
Broward County Sheriff: "We have multiple casualties…there are folks that have lost their lives." https://t.co/4DsfzOVWek pic.twitter.com/3fmZr22IdU
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) February 14, 2018
Crowds of people have evacuated the school already, and ambulances have been on site for hours in order to transport those who were hurt.
MORE: There are reports of a school shooting in Parkland, Florida pic.twitter.com/MVmJ02mBze
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) February 14, 2018
Injury and fatality reports are still being ascertained, but local media previously reported that the incident was a mass casualty event with 20 to 50 people injured.
#UPDATE: Fire Rescue: At least 20 injured after shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School pic.twitter.com/uAXktQ8I0o
— WSVN 7 News (@wsvn) February 14, 2018
CBS obtained phone footage from a student trapped in the school, which contains disturbing audio of gunshots ringing out.
JUST IN (warning, disturbing video): Cell phone video inside the school as shots were going off at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High https://t.co/wHWo6XjccX pic.twitter.com/3ovf5LhzBs
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) February 14, 2018
The school remains on lockdown, and police stormed the building in order to reach the students still barricaded inside. Multiple news sources described the shooter as a white man wearing a burgundy shirt, and one person fitting that profile has been placed under arrest.
BREAKING: Parkland police take one person into custody after school shooting pic.twitter.com/rZnJFHCFFy
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) February 14, 2018
Parents and residents have approached the school, but are being held back so authorities can prepare a staging and on-site triage center. The FBI arrived at the scene and are working with SWAT teams and local officials.
President Trump, Florida senator Marco Rubio, and Governor Rick Scott are monitoring the situation:
My prayers and condolences to the families of the victims of the terrible Florida shooting. No child, teacher or anyone else should ever feel unsafe in an American school.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 14, 2018
Just spoke to Governor Rick Scott. We are working closely with law enforcement on the terrible Florida school shooting.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 14, 2018
We are monitoring the horrible unfolding situation in Broward County, Florida with reports of a shooting at a local high school. #Sayfie
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 14, 2018
Just spoke with @POTUS about shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. My thoughts and prayers are with the students, their families and the entire community. We will continue to receive briefings from law enforcement and issue updates.
— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) February 14, 2018
Senator Bill Nelson is also on top of the situation, and he says he has been told of many people who are now dead.
This video of a SWAT team showing up in one of the classrooms has gotten some attention online:
My little brother just sent me this video of the swat team evacuating his classroom at stoneman douglas. So scary but glad he's safe. @nbc6 @CBSMiami @NBCNews @wsvn @CBSNews pic.twitter.com/XNTtra221q
— Melody (@Melody_Ball) February 14, 2018
CNN is now reporting at least 16 dead:
Law enforcement sources tell @evanperez there are at least 16 fatalities in the Florida school shooting.
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) February 14, 2018
UPDATE –– 6:28 pm ET: Law enforcement confirmed at a press conference tonight the death toll is 17.
[Image via screengrab]
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