U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Agents were some of the first law enforcers to respond to the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Initial reports said one of the agents shot and killed the gunman.
According to the Associated Press, one Border Patrol agent was near the school at the time of the shooting and rushed inside without waiting for backup. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a law enforcement official told the AP the gunman was barricaded in one of the school’s classrooms.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said at least one Border Patrol agent was wounded by the shooter during an exchange of gunfire. The agent is reportedly recovering from non-life-threatening injuries.
Uvalde is about 75 miles from the U.S./Mexico border, and CBP agents often assist local law enforcement according to a report in the Washington Post.
The Post reported about 80 Border Patrol agents responded to the school in Uvalde, including members of a pair of elite units normally used for search and rescue and tactical operations.
In a statement posted to Twitter, CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus said, “Many of our local CBP personnel live in Uvalde; they call this community home, and they work to protect their families, friends, and neighbors every single day.”
