US President Joe Biden has spoken out to demand restrictions on arms sales after the shooting at a Texas elementary school, a “senseless act of violence” that left 21 people dead, including 18 children, the White House announced.
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“President Biden is being kept informed” of the killing “and will continue to be as information becomes available,” presidential spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said.
“His prayers go out to the families stricken by this appalling event and he will speak tonight upon his return to the White House,” she added.
In a proclamation, he ordered flags at the White House and public buildings and places in the United States to be lowered to half-mast until Saturday evening, “as a mark of respect for the victims of this senseless act of violence”. .
