President Donald Trump on Friday tweeted that "early reports" on the shooting at a high school in Sante Fe, Texas, were "not looking good."

Trump's response to the news was criticized as "heartless" on social media, as many took issue with his choice of words.

CNN said Friday's school shooting was the 22nd in the US this year.

President Donald Trump on Friday tweeted that "early reports" on the shooting at a high school in Sante Fe, Texas, were "not looking good."

"School shooting in Texas. Early reports not looking good. God bless all!" Trump tweeted.

Initial reports indicate at least eight people were killed at Santa Fe High School, located roughly 30 minutes south of Houston. A suspect has reportedly been arrested, with a second person reportedly detained.

Trump's response to the news was criticized as 'heartless' on social media

In particular, people were upset with the president saying things were "not looking good" as details on the shooting were still coming in. They felt this was insensitive, especially for parents of students at the school.

CNN says shooting was 22nd in US this year

CNN's Sara Murray tweeted that the network had counted 22 school shootings in the US in 2018.

In a televised public statement, Trump on Friday also said the White House was "determined to do everything in our power" to prevent future school shootings.

"This has been going on too long in our country," Trump said. "Too many years, too many decades now. We grieve for the terrible loss of life."

The president described Friday's events in Texas as a "horrific attack."

He has resisted most gun-control efforts during his presidency, however, and recently spoke at the National Rifle Association's annual convention, which happened to be in Texas.

"Thanks to your activism and dedication, you have an administration fighting to protect your Second Amendment and we will protect your Second Amendment," Trump said at the time. "Your Second Amendment rights are under siege, but they will never ever be under siege as long as I am your president."