Bloody Friday: Two School Shootings Leave 11 Dead, 13 Injured

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Category: World News
Published on Saturday, 19 May 2018 09:35
Written by Janet Walker

American's plague of gun violence claimed eleven lives Friday at two school shootings, in Santa Fe, Texas and Jonesboro, Georgia, marking the deadliest day of violence since the February 14 Parkland massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Nine students and one educator were killed in Santa Fe, Texas, when a lone gunman, walked into the Art Room and according to witnesses, "threw something down that exploded."

According to WAFB @WAFB twitter feed, "Gunman walked into 1st period art class and opened fire. A student ran out and pulled the fire alarm and students began to exit the building. Police confirm the shooter is in custody."

From all accounts Dimitrios Pagourtzis, 17, identified as the shooter, has been described as "weird" but not dangerous or a mental case and raised no red flags. Allegedly he planned to carry out a mass casualty shooting at his high school, sparing those students he liked and then setting off pressure cooker bombs, similar to those used in the Boston Marathon.

Breaking News: Florida School Shooting Leaves 17 Dead

Authorities indicated that the "bombs" were not functionable and although gave the appearance of an explosive, lacked the main ingredient necessary for detonation.

Pagourtzis reportedly used a .38 caliber handgun and a shotgun, both legally owned by his father. Authorities have not indicated if the younger Pagourtzis stole the weapons from a locked gun safe unit or if they were not secured.

Survivors have described the fire alarm sounding which sent students into designated safe areas outside the building where the majority of the more than 1500 students and educators were not aware of the shooter until they heard the gunfire coming from the art building.

Students immediately began to run to find shelter. Media reports many fled into the surrounding forest to seek shelter. All reported calling home.

"Ten people have been killed, and another 10 people have been wounded, Abbott said Friday at a press conference. • The fatalities "include students and some adult staff as well," said Ed Gonzalez, Harris County sheriff, at a press conference just before noon Eastern time Friday. • At least six people have been transported to hospitals, including one school district police officer, said Santa Fe school district police chief Walter Braun. • At least three people are being treated at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, according to David Marshall, chief nursing and patient services officer: one adult male with a gunshot wound to the arm; an adult female with a gunshot wound to the leg; and a male under the age of 18, also with a gunshot wound to leg." Vox reports.

The conversation on Gun control erupted again, with debates now occurring in rapid succession. The national conversation, which seems to be forever clouded by elected politicians who favor limited restrictions which permit greater availability which to some indicate approval of use.

President Trump Offers Solace

"Our Nation grieves with those affected by the shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas.  May God heal the injured and may God comfort the wounded, and may God be with the victims and with the victims' families," President Trump said. 

He further the usual "prayers" thoughts and time of grief statement to add acknowledgement that school shootings, and the plague of gun violence in general, is hitting the benchmarks of military responses and offered an additional response although far outside the immediate action

"As a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated on May 18, 2018, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, May 22, 2018," he said. 

He also directed the flag to be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

Kentucky School Shooting Leaves Two Dead; 18 Injured

As gun control laws or changes to reflect any type of regulation slow the wheels of judicial change to a nearly rusted, unmovable, state, the small efforts which are clearly not enough, are unfortunately all elected officials seem to be able to ingest.

Jonesboro, Georgia: One Dead; Three Injured

The second shooting occurred during a graduation ceremony in Jonesboro, Georgia. An argument escalated and two women, both attending the ceremonies in support of students who had successfully completed classes at Perry Learning Center, an alternative high school education offerings students careers outside the traditional high school preparation, were shot: One died, three remain hospitalized.

Sources: Various

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