On Saturday, a shooting at a mall outside of Dallas claimed the lives of at least nine people, including the shooter, and left several others injured, according to local police.
Emergency responders from the Allen Fire Department transported nine people to hospitals, where two more were pronounced dead. Three others are in critical condition. Witnesses reported seeing children among the victims, although further details have not yet been released.
Allen Police Chief Brian E. Harvey expressed condolences to the families of the victims, saying, “This is a tragedy. People will be looking for answers. And we just, we’re sorry that those families are experiencing that loss.”
An officer who was responding to an unrelated call at the mall heard the gunshots and “neutralized” the shooter. Authorities believe the gunman acted alone.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott offered the “full support of the State of Texas” to the community, saying, “Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy.”
Republican Senator Ted Cruz and his wife, along with other lawmakers, expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and offered prayers to the community.
The White House reported that President Biden was briefed on the incident and is closely monitoring the situation, in touch with local officials to offer support. Allen Mayor Ken Fulk received calls from both the White House and Governor Abbott.
