Death Toll Grows To 21 In Uvalde

(Uvalde, TX) — Authorities say the shooter who killed 21 people at a Uvalde elementary school exchanged gunfire with police before entering the building and still got in.

A DPS spokesperson told CNN that the 18-year-old suspect crashed his vehicle in a ditch near Robb Elementary School Tuesday morning before he engaged with officers. Police say the teen gunman was wearing body armor and carrying a rifle when he fired into classrooms. Investigators say the teenage gunman shot his grandmother before driving to the school.

He also killed two teachers before a customs and border patrol officer took him out. A third teacher is expected to survive after undergoing surgery. Most of the young victims are said to be 3rd and 4th graders. The district canceled the last two days of classes to start summer break and will offer grief counseling this morning.

Governor Greg Abbott called it a horrific loss and will visit the small Texas town of Uvalde today, which sits between San Antonio and the border. Abbott ordered the Department of Public Safety and Texas Rangers to help investigate.

A community prayer service is also set for tonight.