UPDATE 1 – Gunman opens fire at high school in South Florida, causing casualties

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By BNO NEWS

A gunman has opened fire at a high school near Miami in South Florida, killing and injuring a large number of people, local and federal officials say. A suspect was taken into custody after fleeing the scene.

The incident began just after 2:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday when officers were called to reports of shots being fired at the high school, which is located near Pompano Beach, about 34 miles (55 kilometers) north of Miami.

A large number of police officers, including SWAT teams, responded to the scene. The suspect, who is described as a white male who may have been wearing a gas mask, was taken into custody at about 3:40 p.m. ET when officers found him about 1.5 mile (2.4 kilometers) from the school.

There was no official word on his identity or a possible motive, but local media said the suspect was thought to be a former student. CBS Miami, citing sources, said the suspect pulled a fire alarm and opened fire as students left their classrooms and went into the hallway.

Emergency services initiated protocols to prepare for more than 20 victims, but the actual number of victims was not immediately clear. Footage from the scene showed at least 8 people being treated by paramedics and U.S. Senator Bill Nelson said “many” people had been killed.

Federal law enforcement, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), are investigating Wednesday’s shooting.

“My prayers and condolences to the families of the victims of the terrible Florida shooting,” President Donald Trump said in a tweet. “No child, teacher or anyone else should ever feel unsafe in an American school.”

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