Global Courant 2023-05-07 07:28:24
Nine people were killed, seven were hospitalized with injuries, three in critical condition and four in stable condition in a Saturday shooting at an outdoor mall in Texas, officials said.
The ages of the hospitalized victims range from 5 to 61, officials said.
One shooter has been neutralized, police said.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, a northern suburb of Dallas. The Allen Police Department previously confirmed to ABC News that they were responding to an active shooting incident at the mall.
People gather across the street from a mall after a May 6, 2023 shooting in Allen, Texas.
People raise their hands as they exit a mall following a May 6, 2023 shooting in Allen, Texas.
“This is a tragedy. People will be looking for answers,” Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey confirmed at a news conference. “We’re sorry those families are going through that loss.”
An officer who was at the mall for an unrelated call responded to the shooting at around 3:36 p.m., Harvey said.
“He heard gunshots, went to the gunshots, engaged the suspect and neutralized the suspect,” Harvey said.
The police chief said they believed the male shooter acted alone.
“We don’t believe there is another threat at this point,” Harvey said.
Shoppers leave with hands held high as law enforcement responds to a shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets in the Dallas area that authorities say left several people injured in Allen, Texas, May 6, 2023.
Shoppers are evacuated from the Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, Texas May 6, 2023.
The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are on scene, agency spokespersons said.
The police have set up reunification areas.
President Joe Biden was briefed on the shooting, a White House official said.
“The White House is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with law enforcement and local officials to provide support,” the official said.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement in response to a shooting at the mall, saying he has “offered the full support of the State of Texas to local officials to ensure that all needed assistance and resources are provided promptly.” deployed, including DPS officers, Texas Rangers, and investigative sources.”
“Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy,” Abbott said.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz said he and his wife were praying for the families of the shooting and that he has been in contact with local officials.
“I have offered all the support needed to do justice and help those in need. Thank you to the incredible law enforcement officers who put an end to the monster who committed this act of evil,” he said. tweeted.
Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey addresses reporters about a mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets, May 6, 2023.
Shoppers are evacuated from the Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, Texas May 6, 2023.
Police have asked residents to avoid the area during the investigation.
Aerial footage of the scene showed customers being evacuated from the stores, many with their arms in the air.
WFAA interviewed witnessed Cole Korchek who was shopping with his mother at the Allen Premium Outlets, and he says he heard something that sounded like 10 blasts and dismissed it as construction work until another 10-15 booms were heard. It was then that he looked out the front of the store and saw “a man dressed in black” wearing a vest and “shooting at people” with an assault rifle. He then ran and helped customers in the back of the store.
Jaynal Pervez told reporters at the scene that his daughter works at the mall and texted him and her mother that there was a shooting and that she is “surrounded by police.”
“She said, ‘Daddy, I love you,'” Pervez said.
“This is not what a typical Saturday would expect in places like Allen,” he added.
ABC News’ Izzy Alvarez contributed to this report.
This is an evolving story. Check back later for updates.
