Cross display, makeshift memorial appears outside Robb Elementary after deadly mass shooting

21 crosses, each with a victim’s name, was placed at scene on Wednesday night

SAN ANTONIO – Grief and shock may best describe what many people are feeling in the wake of Tuesday’s deadly mass shooting in Uvalde.

While some mourn privately the loss of 19 elementary school students and two teachers, others have since put their feelings on display outside Robb Elementary School, in the form of balloons, candles and crosses.

In a display similar to one found after the mass shooting at Sutherland Springs, a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper said a local man spent all day making 21 crosses, each with the name of a victim on it.

The trooper said the man started working early Wednesday and brought the crosses to the school around 10 p.m. Wednesday night.

Uvalde cross display image. (KSAT)

He said balloons and candles were brought by people wanting to pay their respects.

Officials say an 18-year-old gunman first fired at a security guard outside, then shot at two DPS troopers inside just before locking himself inside the classroom with the victims.

Authorities say the suspect began shooting all the children and teachers. Many are still recovering at home and in the hospital, while some may never potentially be able to recover from what happened.

The shooting is now considered the deadliest school shooting in the U.S. since a gunman killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, back in December of 2012. It is the deadliest school shooting in Texas history.

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About the Authors:

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.

Katrina Webber joined KSAT 12 in December 2009. She reports for Good Morning San Antonio. Katrina was born and raised in Queens, NY, but after living in Gulf Coast states for the past decade, she feels right at home in Texas. It's not unusual to find her singing karaoke or leading a song with her church choir when she's not on-air.