New Delhi [India], May 18 (ANI): United States President Donald Trump on Friday condemned the "horrible attack" at the Santa Fe High School in Texas, which claimed eight lives.

In a video message, Trump tweeted, "We grieve for the terrible loss of life, and send our support and love to everyone affected by this horrible attack in Texas. To the students, families, teachers and personnel at Santa Fe High School - we are with you in this tragic hour, and we will be with you forever..."

The US President vowed to protect students, secure schools and take strict action against the perpetrators.

Earlier, he also wrote on Twitter saying a shootout was going on in a Texas school.

"School shooting in Texas. Early reports not looking good. God bless all!" he tweeted.

At least eight people were shot dead in Santa Fe High School in an early morning shootout in the southeastern Texas city of Santa Fe, about 50 kilometres away from Houston.

Assistant principal Cris Richardson told CNN that the gunman has been arrested.

A second person has been detained as well. At least, one police officer was also injured in the shooting, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said on Twitter.

The sheriff further added that the shooter, who was arrested was a former student of the school.

As per media reports, explosive devices were found at the site of the shooting and other surrounding areas. An investigation for the same is currently on, according to the police.

Witnesses described the ordeal where students were seen running from the school as they heard gunshots. They also described hearing an alarm at the school, though the sequence of events was still unclear, CNN reported.

A witness told CNN affiliate KTRK that an armed person walked into an art class of the Santa Fe High School and started firing indiscriminately.

The witness added that she saw a girl shot in the leg.

The death toll is likely to rise as multiple deaths have been reported due to the shooting incident, two law enforcement sources told CNN.

A Galveston hospital spokesperson, Raul Reyes did not give details about how many people were injured. (ANI)


This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI