UPDATE 3 – 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 an unknown number of people and injuring at least 14 others, 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, fled the scene and was taken into custody 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.

The exact number of victims was not immediately clear, but Superintendent Robert Runcie said “numerous” people were killed in the shooting. The Broward County’s Sheriff’s Office said at least 14 victims were taken to area hospitals where there was no word on their conditions.

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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