MallMass Shooting At Allen Mall: Shooter Killed, 7 Injured, 9 Dead
A shooting rampage at a shopping center near Dallas left nine people dead and seven wounded on Saturday afternoon- authorities
The gunman, who was among the fatalities, was shot by a police officer who arrived at the scene shortly after the first shots were fired, according to Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey.
The officer was at the Allen Premium Outlets for an unrelated matter when he heard gunfire and confronted the suspect.
The motive for the shooting is unknown, and police believe the gunman acted alone. Harvey said there was no ongoing threat to the public.
The victims, who ranged in age from 5 to 61, were taken to various hospitals, where two of them succumbed to their injuries, officials said. The identities of the victims and the gunman have not been released.
The shooting shocked the community and prompted an outpouring of condolences from local officials and residents.
“This is a tragedy. People will be looking for answers,” Harvey said at a press conference. “We’re sorry that those families are experiencing that loss.”
The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting in the investigation, along with several other law enforcement agencies. Police set up reunification areas nearby for families and witnesses.
The White House said President Joe Biden was informed of the shooting that killed nine people and wounded seven others at a shopping center near Dallas on Saturday afternoon.
Police urged residents to stay away from the area as they continued to investigate the motive and circumstances of the gunman, who was shot dead by an officer who responded to the scene.
TV footage showed shoppers being escorted out of the stores by police, some with their hands in the air.
A witness said she was shopping when she heard “popping” sounds and saw sparks flying. She ran into a store and hid in the back with other customers until the police arrived.
Elaine Penicaro told reporters that she was about to leave the mall when the shooting started and she realized it was a life-threatening situation.
“We just ran into the Converse store. They locked the door. We all hunkered down in the back. And that’s where we stayed,” she said.
Penicaro said it took about five to 10 minutes for the police to get there.
Officer at the Allen Premium Outlets for another reason heard the gunshots and found the shooter, who was then “neutralized.”
“We are asking for the public’s help if you are a witness,” Harvey said.
