17 confirmed dead in horrific Florida Shooting on high school student--live
The suspect has been named as Nikolaus Cruz, 19, and is a former student at the school who had been expelled.
He reportedly pulled the fire alarm and caused chaos in the school before he started shooting, law enforcement officials told CBS News.
Students were forced to hide in classrooms as police scoured the building
Live updates: Florida school gunman shoots 'dozens'
Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel told reporters that Cruz had used a rifle and had "countless magazines".
He said the shooting spree began outside the school where three people were killed. Cruz then entered the building and killed 12 people.
Two people later died after being taken to hospital.
Earlier on Wednesday, the local public school district tweeted: "Today, close to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School's dismissal, students and staff heard what sounded like gunfire.
"The school immediately went on lockdown but is now dismissing students."
Police were clearing students from the school "one building at a time", the school said.
Police are working an active shooter scene, and ask that if you are in touch with your student you ask that they remain calm and barricaded until police come to their room, this is for everyone's safety. Do NOT call our 911 or non-emergency number unless it is an emergency.
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