Uvalde suspect 'began shooting anyone that was in his way': Police

UVALDE, Texas (TCD) -- Less than 24 hours after a gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary School, killing 19 children and two teachers, law enforcement officials are sharing new details about the events and the suspect's actions.

Lt. Chris Olivarez with the Texas Department of Public Safety spoke with Hoda Kotb on "Today" and said the suspected gunman, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos, initially got into a domestic disturbance with his grandmother. He allegedly shot her, left his home in his vehicle, then crashed his car. Ramos got out of his car, armed in tactical gear, and walked to Robb Elementary where he opened fire.

According to Olivarez, Uvalde Police, Uvalde school district officers, and state troopers made their way to the scene where they "were able to hear the actual gunshots inside the classroom."

As the law enforcement officials entered Robb Elementary, Ramos reportedly opened fire and shot back at them. Officers "began breaking windows to the school to evacuate children, teachers, to try to get them out," Olivarez said.

Ramos reportedly made his way into a classroom, barricaded himself inside, and "began shooting numerous children and teachers in that classroom having no regard for human life."

Olivarez added, "He began shooting anyone that was in his way."

Federal officers as well as tactical units and troopers arrived at the school and forced their way into the classroom. The law enforcement officers were "met by gunfire but were able to shoot and kill the suspect."

According to Olivarez, Ramos used a long rifle and wore a tactical vest. Texas State Troopers are working with the ATF to determine the type of rifle as well as the FBI "to see if there are any red flags or indicators."

Ramos lived in Uvalde with his grandparents and graduated from Uvalde High School.

Texas state Sen. Roland Gutierrez told KSAT-TV Ramos bought two AR-15 rifles legally on Sunday, not long after he turned 18.

Some of the victims of the tragic shooting have already been identified. According to KSAT, the victims include Jackie Cazres, 10, Uziyah Garcia, 8, Amerie Jo Garza, 10, Xavier Lopez, 10, Alithia Ramirez, 10, Annabelle Rodriguez, 10, Elihana Cruz Torres, age not given, Rojelio Torres, 10, Eva Mireles, 44. NBC News reports Jose Flores, Jr., 10, and Mireles' co-teacher, Irma Garica, are also victims of the shooting.

Ramos' grandmother is in critical condition, according to NBC News. University Health announced the hospital is treating three children and one adult. A 66-year-old woman and 10-year-old girl are both in serious condition while a 10-year-old girl and 9-year-old girl are both in good condition.

According to a recent report by the FBI, the number of active shooter incidents in 2021 increased by 52.5% from 2020 and by 96.8% from 2017.

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