Three people are dead after a shooting Thursday morning at Aztec High School. We'll update the story by time as news develops:

11 a.m.

New Mexico State Police say the suspect in the school shooting is among the three dead.

Police didn't release details about the shooter but confirmed the other two people killed Thursday at Aztec High School were students.

The school was cordoned off as deputies with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office and other police agencies cleared the buildings. Students were taken to another location.

Other schools in the area also were locked down as a precaution. Authorities say it could be a few hours before the lockdowns are lifted.

A crowd of nervous parents gathered at Aztec City Hall to wait for more information as officers tried to reassure them about the safety of their children.

State and federal authorities are investigating what led to the shooting.

10:30 a.m.

New Mexico State Police reported that three people are dead after a shooting at Aztec High School on Thursday morning.

Authorities said they had cleared all the buildings at the school and that students were boarding buses to another location where they could be reunited with their parents.

Deputies with the sheriff's office and surrounding police departments responded to the school after reports of a shooting. Federal agents and state police are investigating.

10 a.m.

"We're on alert," said Julie Popp, spokeswoman for Durango School District 9-R. "We're sweeping the schools and having more of our administrators present in the hallways to ensure safety and security of our staff and students, but no lockdowns in our community right now."

The school released the following statement:

"We are saddened to hear the news of the school shooting that occurred at Aztec High School this morning. Tragedies like this stretch far and we are all affected by this news and are thinking about our neighbors to the south as they deal with the aftermath of what occurred.

"We have been informed that the shooter has been apprehended and the immediate threat is mitigated. However, as with any incident, we will remain on alert and will conduct the appropriate safety measures at our schools to ensure the safety and security of our staff and students.

"Students and staff will react in different ways to incidents such as this. We should all expect and try to understand that there will be a variety of emotions and responses to what has occurred. The most important thing you can do is to be supportive and encourage an open expression of feelings. We recommend maintaining as normal a routine as possible. This recommendation has evolved from the district's experience with tragedies in the past and the advice of mental health professionals from the community.

"If you find you need additional supports or your students do, please don't hesitate to reach out to your school administrator, teacher or counselor for additional resources available to students. We know you will join us in our concern for their community."

Bayfield High School Principal Leon Hanhardt put out the following notification:

"The suspect has been apprehended. We have conferred with local law enforcement and there is no threat to Bayfield High School, but as a precautionary measure, we have increased safety protocol and the presence of law enforcement throughout the school.

"We have also increased perimeter sweeps and will have increased awareness in the halls and around campus. I realize the amount of students and staff that have connections to Aztec High School and its community. We have staff in the counseling office to assist with any student who may need to discuss the situation.

"Remember that student safety is our top priority in Bayfield School District. Thank you and please feel free to reach out with any questions. Our thoughts are with the Aztec community.

Ignacio High School is in a lockout, which means classwork continues inside the building, but no one is allowed into the building except staff and parents, said Kathy Pokorney, the curriculum director for Ignacio schools. Police officers are also at the school, she added.

The La Plata County Sheriff's Office responded this morning to assist.

"We have a couple people headed that way to see if they need any assistance," said Lt. Ed Aber.

In La Plata County, law enforcement visited schools to create a heightened presence.

mrupani@durangoherald.com