Ugh!!! This is so unbearably sad!!!
We told you earlier that shots were fired at Santa Monica College today, while the President was nearby, and that several people were injured!!
Several victims were taken to nearby hospitals, some are in critical condition. We're even hearing reports of possible fatalities.
It's unclear exactly what happened, but nearby cars were apparently sprayed with bullets and nearby property was damaged by fire, though it isn't yet certain how those two tragedies are related, if at all.
Police Sgt. Rudy Flores says the shooter is in custody, and injured, but did not speak to the extent of those injuries.
Police took a man into custody who wore all black, with a phrase on the back of his shirt that reading "Life is a Gamble," but it isn't clear whether he is the injured suspect.
Shortly after the shots were fired, school officials went into lock-down mode, canceling final exams and cautioning all students to stay in their classroom.
In a Facebook statement, the college said:
"Due to the shooter situation on the main SMC campus, the college is on lock-down. This means that if you are on campus, stay out of open spaces, stay in doors, lock all doors and do not open the doors until you receive an all clear from college officials.
If you are off campus, do NOT come to campus.
Thank you for your cooperation. Stay tuned for updates."
Schools are supposed to be amongst the most sacred places on earth; our heart breaks whenever something so unfathomably sad like this happens.
Our thoughts our with everyone affected by today's tragedy!
UPDATE: Several sources now confirm the death of multiple victims, and also the death of the main suspect.
The L.A. Times suggests the suspect may have had an accomplice.
[Image via Getty Images.]
