'May You Find Peace': New Port Richey Reacts To TX School Shooting

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — The New Port Richey community is remembering the 21 innocent lives lost during the school shooting in Texas this week.

Following the massacre, city officials reflected on the tragedy that occurred after a gunman stormed into an elementary school Tuesday in Uvalde, TX, killing 19 children and two teachers in the United States' deadliest school shooting in nearly a decade.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Uvalde community as they cope with this unimaginable tragedy. May you find peace, strength and healing in the difficult days to come," the city posted to its official Facebook page after the shooting.

On Tuesday, authorities said an 18-year-old gunman barricaded himself inside a single classroom at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, TX and "began shooting anyone that was in his way," ultimately killing 19 children and two teachers.

Investigators did not immediately disclose a motive but identified the assailant as Salvador Ramos, a resident of the community about 85 miles west of San Antonio.

SEE ALSO:

• Texas School Shooting: What We Know About Uvalde Victims
• Texas School Shooting: Gunman Killed 19 Kids, 2 Teachers In Same Class

Ramos had hinted on social media that an attack could be coming, suggesting that "kids should watch out," according to state Sen. Roland Gutierrez, who said he had been briefed by state police.

The teen legally brought two AR-style rifles just days before the attack, soon after his 18th birthday, the Associated Press reported.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.