Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul turned his attention Friday to offering condolences to the victims of a mass shooting in Santa Fe, Texas, that left 10 dead, saying the attack overshadows his typical focus on the NBA playoffs.
"First and foremost, aside from the playoffs going on, which is minor compared to what is taking place down in Santa Fe," Paul told reporters as the Rockets practiced in Houston. "Our prayers going out to the victims and the families having to deal with that situation. We have a lot of fan support there. Those people come out and support us night in, night out. This is minor compared to what those people are dealing with."
A 17-year-old carrying a shotgun and a revolver opened fire at Santa Fe High School on Friday morning, killing 10 people, according to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Nine of the victims were students, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. Authorities said at least 10 other people were wounded at the school, and hospitals reported treating a total of 14 people for injuries related to the shooting.
One person was in custody on murder charges and a second person had been detained, Harris said. The suspected shooter also had explosive devices, including a Molotov cocktail, that were found in the school and nearby, according to Abbott.
Santa Fe is about 30 miles from downtown Houston.
The Houston Astros issued a statement Friday offering prayers to those affected by the shooting and held a moment of silence for the victims before Friday night's game against the Cleveland Indians. The team also flew the Texas flags at Minute Maid Park at half-staff "in support and memory of the victims and their families."
Speaking before Friday's game, Astros manager A.J. Hinch was pointed in his response to a question about the shooting.
"I knew that was going to be the first question, and obviously, we offer our condolences. But to be honest with you, it makes me angry," Hinch said. "I'm tired of talking about these situations. I know you guys have to ask and we have to respond, but it's heartbreaking. Again, another senseless act of violence in our schools."
He later added, "There's no reason for our schools to be combat zones."
Astros pitcher Lance McCullers, who said he was working on a plan to help a student who was among the 10 people wounded in the attack, said something must change to prevent another school shooting.
"I just feel like there's got to be some sort of solution," McCullers said. "My heart goes out to the families and the kids who shouldn't even have to worry about something like that."
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Williams, who went to Ball High, a neighboring rival of Santa Fe High, said he was heartbroken by news of the shooting.
"I had good relationships with guys who played ball there," Williams said, according to the Philly.com. "It's sad. It's sickening, to be honest."
Paul, defensive end J.J. Watt and the Houston Texans were among those expressing sorrow and support for shooting victims on Twitter. Watt offered to pay for the funerals of the victims.
Prayers to the kids and families affected by today's tragedy. We need to do better by our children. #BiggerThanBasketball pic.twitter.com/CZxpMl5e6u
— Chris Paul (@CP3) May 18, 2018
Absolutely horrific.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 18, 2018
Statement from the Houston Texans regarding the tragic events at Santa Fe High School. pic.twitter.com/JM1Gg16CRu
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) May 18, 2018
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr took to Twitter on Friday night to urge parents and gun owners to "store their firearms securely."
Over 75% of school shootings start with kids having access to unsecured and/or unsupervised guns at home. Gun owners have a responsibility to store their firearms securely. We must do more to #EndFamilyFire #SantaFeHighSchool
— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) May 19, 2018
Friday's school shooting was the nation's deadliest such attack since February's massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.