Biden briefed on "horrific news" of Texas elementary school shooting: White House

WASHINGTON, May 24 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the "horrific news" of the elementary school shooting in Texas on Tuesday, according to the White House.

Biden "will continue to be briefed regularly as information becomes available," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tweeted in the afternoon.

"His prayers are with the families impacted by this awful event, and he will speak this evening when he arrives back at the White House," Jean-Pierre announced.

At least 14 students and one teacher were killed when a gunman opened fire at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday, according to officials.

The perpetrator -- identified as 18-year-old Salvador Ramos -- is deceased and is believed to have been neutralized by responding officers.

Biden has ordered that the flags at the White House, federal buildings, and military posts be flown at half-staff "as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence," according to a proclamation.