Texas mall shooting – live: Gunman who killed eight with AR-15 style rifle identified as Mauricio Garcia

Texas police have identified the shooter who killed eight people and injured seven others as he began firing outside a crowded Dallas-area outlet mall on Saturday.

Law enforcement officials identified the gunman as 33-year-old Mauricio Garcia.

Allen fire chief Jonathan Boyd said three wounded people were in critical condition in the evening and four were stable. The gunfire erupted around 3.30pm local time on Saturday at Allen Premium Outlets.

Steven Spainhouer was not at the mall when the shooting unfolded but rushed to the scene after his son, who was working at an H&M store in the outlet, called him.

Speaking of the horrors he witnessed as he desperately tried to perform CPR on several victims, Mr Spainhouer said he saw several children among the deceased. At least three of the people he tried to save succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

“I never imagined in 100 years I would be thrust into the position of being the first responder on the site to take care of people,” Mr Spainhouer told CBS News.

Key Points

• Texas mall gunman is identified as Mauricio Garcia

• Officer on unrelated call in mall neutralised shooter, police say

• Collin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson says that there are multiple victims, including children.

• Texas lawmaker says ‘multiple casualties’ and gunman ‘down’

• Audio reveals moment officer made frantic request for backup moments before taking down Texas mall shooter

Marjorie Taylor Greene blames Texas mall massacre on drugs and ‘evil forces’ (but no mention of guns)

11:40 , Rachel Sharp

Georgia’s Marjorie Taylor Greene joined the list of Republicans refusing to point the finger at the staggering number of firearms, including high-powered rifles, existing in American society on Saturday as she cast blame for yet another horrific yet wholly unsurprising massacre that unfolded over the weekend.

At least eight people are dead as well as the suspected gunman in Allen, Texas, after a mass shooting broke out at an outlet mall. Witnesses described a scene of sheer carnage and terror on the streets of one of the US’s largest states, as America reckoned with another all-too-common day of violence and bloodshed.

The conspiracy-embracing Republican congresswoman from Georgia commented that “evil forces” were at work causing the shootings.

Read the story here:

Marjorie Taylor Greene blames Texas mall shooting on ‘evil forces’

First victims of mall massacre identified: Christian LaCour

11:20 , Rachel Sharp

Christian LaCour, a 20-year-old security guard at the mall, was identified by family members as one of the victims of Sunday’s massacre.

LaCour’s grandmother posted a tribute to her grandson on social media.

“He was such a beautiful soul,” she wrote. “I was so proud of him and so glad I got to see him 2 weeks ago.”

Texas mall gunman is identified as Mauricio Garcia

11:00 , Andrea Blanco

The gunman who murdered eight people at a Texas mall on Saturday has been identified as 33-year-old Mauricio Garcia, according to reports.

The suspect was shot dead by a police officer who was responding to an unrelated call, the Allen Police Department said.

Garcia, dressed in black body armour and armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle, opened fire moments after arriving at the Allen Premium Outlets at around 3.30pm on Saturday, law enforcement sources told NBC News. CBS News, CNN and other local media also confirmed the gunman’s identity.

The Independent’s Bevan Hurley reports:

Texas mall gunman is identified as Mauricio Garcia

First victims of mall massacre identified: Aishwarya Thatikonda

10:40 , Rachel Sharp

Aishwarya Thatikonda, an engineer who moved to the US from India, was identified by family members as one of the victims killed in the mass shooting at the mall.

Thatikonda was shopping with a friend at the mall when she was shot and killed by the gunman, a family representative told WFAA.

Her friend was also shot and injured in the shooting and is currently in stable condition in hospital.

Thatikonda’s family is planning to fly her body to India where she has family.

Allen police eye possible neo-Nazi and white supremacist extremism of gunman

10:20 , Rachel Sharp

Investigators in Texas are looking into possible neo-Nazi and white supremacist beliefs of the gunman who killed eight in the mass shooting at a shopping mall in Allen.

Mauricio Garcia, 33, was identified on Sunday as the shooter who drove to the Allen Premium Outlets on Saturday afternoon and opened fire on innocent shoppers with an AR-15-style rifle, killing eight victims before he was shot dead by a police officer.

The motive for the attack remains unknown but the gunman was wearing a patch reading “RWDS” – standing for Right Wing Death Squad – as he carried out the rampage.

Police sources told NBC News that Garcia – an Army veteran who worked as a security guard – posted neo-Nazi and white supremacist content online.

Biden calls on Congress to act after Texas mall massacre:

10:00 , Andrea Blanco

President Joe Biden made it clear that he believes the conservative right bears the responsibility to act and offer solutions on Sunday after America awoke to news of the latest horrific massacre to strike a public place.

In a statement released by the White House, the president wrote that Republicans could not simply “shrug” away the latest news and must instead act to reduce the number of guns prevalent in the United States.

The Independent’s John Bowden has the story:

Biden says Republicans shouldn’t ‘shrug’ away Texas mall shooting

Mauricio Garcia: Everything we know about the Texas mall gunman who killed eight

09:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The gunman clad in black body armour and armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle opened fire at a Texas mall on Saturday, killing eight people and injuring seven others.

The suspect was identified by law enforcement sources as 33-year-old security guard Mauricio Garcia, NBC News reported.

Dashcam video circulating on social media appeared to show the gunman getting out of a grey sedan just outside the entrance of the Allen Premium Outlets, a sprawling centre on the outskirts of Dallas, and immediately begin shooting at passersby in the carpark.

An Allen Police Department officer attending an unrelated call heard the gunfire, and “neutralised” the suspect, police said.

Mauricio Garcia: What we know about the Texas mall gunman who killed eight

Just a week ago, Texas was struck by a shooting that left five dead. How easy is to purchase guns in the state?

09:00 , Andrea Blanco

Last week, a gunman in Cleveland opened fire on his neighbours after they complained of him firing rounds in his backyard. Five people, including a nine-year-old child, were killed.

The state saw yet another episode of gun violence on Saturday when gunman Mauricio Guzman killed eight people at Allen Premium Outlets before he was taken down by a police officer who happened to be at the scene.

The unspeakable carnage has sparked renewed calls for gun control from survivors of mass shootings and legislators.

Texas has some of the most lenient gun laws in the country.

Most adults are allowed to carry a handgun in a holster both openly and concealed, without a permit.

Private firearm dealers in the Lone Star State are not required to conduct background checks before selling, despite three-fourths of Texas supporting such measures, according to Texas Gun Sense.

Witness of Texas mall massacre describes horrific scene and finding girl ‘with no face’

08:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

A Texas man has opened up about the devastating scene he witnessed as he tried to rescue victims after a gunman opened fire at a mall on Saturday afternoon.

Eight people were killed during the vicious attack that also left seven others injured at the Allen Premium Outlets. The gunman, who has not yet been named, was also shot and killed by police. Pictures of the scene showed what appeared to be the shooter’s AR-15-style gun, tactical gear and extra magazines, according to CNN.

A scene of chaos unfolded as hundreds of mall-goers tried to flee the violence before a police officer ultimately managed to neutralise the suspect. Allen resident Steven Spainhouer was not at the mall when the shooting unfolded but rushed to the scene after his son, who was working at an H&M store in the outlet, called him.

Speaking of the horrors he witnessed as he desperately tried to perform CPR on several victims, Mr Spainhouer said he saw several children among the deceased. At least three of the people he tried to save succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

“I never imagined in 100 years I would be thrust into the position of being the first first responder on the site to take care of people,” Mr Spainhouer told CBS News. “The first girl I walked up to was crouched down covering her head in the bushes, so I felt for a pulse, pulled her head to the side and she had no face.”

There is an average of about one mass shooting per week in the US, poll says

08:00 , Andrea Blanco

Mass killings are happening with staggering frequency in the United States this year: an average of about one per week, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.

President Biden was briefed on the shooting in Allen and the administration offered support to local officials, the White House said. Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who has signed laws easing firearms restrictions following past mass shootings, called the mall shooting an “unspeakable tragedy.”

A live aerial broadcast from a news station showed armored trucks and other law enforcement vehicles outside the mall. More than 30 police cruisers with lights flashing blocked an entrance, with multiple ambulances on the scene in the city of roughly 105,000 residents about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of downtown Dallas.

Video shared on social media showed people running through a parking lot amid the sound of gunshots.

Fontayne Payton, 35, was at H&M when he heard the sound of gunshots through his headphones.

“It was so loud, it sounded like it was right outside,” Payton said.

People in the store scattered before employees ushered the group into the fitting rooms and then a lockable back room, he said. When they were given the all-clear to leave, Payton saw the store had broken windows and a trail of blood to the door. Discarded sandals and bloodied clothes lay nearby.

Once outside, Payton saw bodies.

“I pray it wasn’t kids, but it looked like kids,” he said. The bodies were covered in white towels, slumped over bags on the ground. “It broke me when I walked out to see that.”

Texas gunman wore ‘Right Wing Death Squad’ patch as he killed eight at mall, says report

07:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The gunman who murdered eight people in a mass shooting at a Texas outlet mall wore a “Right Wing Death Squad” patch on his chest and may have held white supremacist beliefs, says a report.

Mauricio Garcia, 33, jumped out of a silver car and opened fire on a crowd of shoppers with an AR-15 rifle on Saturday afternoon at the Allen Premium Outlets in the city of Allen.

Now investigators are looking at the shooter’s possible far-right political beliefs as a motive for the shooting, people familiar with the investigation told The Washington Post.

Full report by Graeme Massie here:

Texas gunman wore ‘Right Wing Death Squad’ patch as he killed eight at mall

‘Mayhem and panic’: Survivors describe horrific scenes as gunman killed eight in Texas mall mass shooting

07:00 , Andrea Blanco

Seven people died at the scene and two more were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, Allen Fire Department Chief Jonathan Boyd told reporters on Saturday night.

Shoppers detailed the chaotic scenes as people ran for their lives when the shooting started at around 3.36pm CT.

Read more:

Survivors describe horrific scenes as gunman killed eight in Texas mall mass shooting

Audio reveals moment officer made frantic request for backup moments before taking down Texas mall shooter

06:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Audio released on Sunday reveals the moment a heroic officer frantically requested backup before neutralising the Texas mall gunman.

Eight people were killed during the vicious attack that also left seven others injured at the Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, Texas, on Saturday afternoon.

Just moments before taking the suspect down, a police officer could be heard saying that he “needed everybody I got” in an internal police radio call released on Sunday, the Daily Mail reported. Two minutes after that call, the officer said: “I got him down.”

Hundreds of mall goers could be seen trying to flee the scene after the gunman opened fire with an AR-15-style gun around 3.30pm local time. Aerial footage from local news stations showed the devastating scene at the parking lot as dead bodies, including those of children, were covered in sheets.

Three wounded victims were in critical condition, while four others were in stable condition, he said.

WATCH: Man who witnessed Allen outlet mall shooting describes the scene

06:00 , Andrea Blanco

Greg Abbott blames ‘anger’ not guns for Texas mall shooting

05:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Texas Gov Greg Abbott blamed a rising “anger” in American society as he responded to calls for action after a horrific mass shooting occurred at an outlet mall in his state Saturday evening.

The Republican governor was speaking on Fox News Sunday as he faced scorn and derision from critics online over a 2015 tweet urging residents in his state to buy more guns and overtake California in terms of rates of new gun ownership.

On Sunday, Mr Abbott pointed to the rise of mass-casualty attacks involving guns in both Republican- and Democrat-controlled states as evidence of a wider problem that he argued would not be fixed (or even stemmed) by tougher restrictions on guns.

“One thing that we can observe very easily and that there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of anger and violence that’s taking place in America,” he concluded.

What do we know about the victims?

05:00 , Andrea Blanco

A gunman killed eight people and wounded another seven in a mass shooting at an outlet mall in Texas, say authorities.

The gunman, who has been identified as 33-year-old Mauricio Garcia, was also shot and killed by police after the shocking incident unfolded at the Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, Texas, on Saturday afternoon.

Seven people died at the scene and two more were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, Allen Fire Department Chief Jonathan Boyd told reporters on Saturday night.

Three wounded victims were in critical condition, while four others were in stable condition, he said.

Medical City Healthcare spokesperson Janet St James, said their trauma facilities received eight patients between the age of 5 and 61 following the shooting.

Texas mall gunman is identified as Mauricio Garcia

04:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The gunman who murdered eight people at a Texas mall on Saturday has been identified as 33-year-old Mauricio Garcia, according to reports.

The suspect was shot dead by a police officer who was responding to an unrelated call, the Allen Police Department said.

Garcia, dressed in black body armour and armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle, opened fire moments after arriving at the Allen Premium Outlets at around 3.30pm on Saturday, law enforcement sources told NBC News. CBS News, CNN and other local media also confirmed the gunman’s identity.

The Independent’s Bevan Hurley reports:

Texas mall gunman is identified as Mauricio Garcia

Audio reveals moment officer made frantic request for backup moments before taking down Texas mall shooter

04:00 , Andrea Blanco

Audio released on Sunday reveals the moment a heroic officer frantically requested backup before neutralising the Texas mall gunman.

Read more:

Moment officer makes frantic request for backup before taking down Texas mall shooter

How did the shooting unfold?

03:00 , Andrea Blanco

The violence broke out at around 3.36pm CDT and a police officer who was already at the mall responding to another situation heard gunshots and “engaged the suspect and neutralized the threat,” Allen police chief Brian Harvey told reporters.

Witnesses told WFAA that gunman Mauricio Garcia, who police say they believe acted alone, was dressed in black.

Helicopter video also showed a silver car in the street in front of stores with its doors open and riddled with bullet holes.

A Collin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told WFAA that there are multiple victims, including children.

In a video posted to Twitter people could be seen running through a car park with the sound of loud gunshots heard in the background.

Uvalde Senator calls out Republicans for ‘thoughts and prayers’

02:00 , Andrea Blanco

Senator Roland Gutierrez, who serves the district where 19 students and two teachers were killed during a mass shooting last year, has said he “is done” with the thoughts and prayers offered by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Lt Governor Dan Patrick every time a mass shooting unfolds in the Lone Star State.

“There is a special kind of hell for people who have this kind of problem staring them square in the face and have done nothing about it,” Mr Gutierrez told MSNBC. “I don’t care about their thoughts and prayers. I witnessed eight of nineteen funerals a year ago. I spent hundreds of hours looking at bodycam footage because I needed to see how our cops failed. I saw babies mutilated with AR-15.”

He added: “This Governor and this Lt Governor, I’m sorry but they can go to hell. I am tired of people saying this stuff and doing nothing.”

Injured people in shooting age from five to 61

01:00 , Andrea Blanco

Medical City Healthcare, a Dallas-area hospital system, said in a written statement it was treating eight people between the ages of five and 61.

Seven people, including the shooter, died near the mall, while two died on their way to the hospital on Saturday.

“Nine victims were transported to local hospitals by Allen Fire Department,” police said.

Three people injured are reported to be critically injured while others are stable in the hospital receiving medical treatment.

WATCH:Texas mall shooting: Dashcam captures moment gunman opens fire

Monday 8 May 2023 00:00 , Andrea Blanco

Texas gunman wore ‘Right Wing Death Squad’ patch as he killed eight at mall, says report

Sunday 7 May 2023 23:47 , Graeme Massie

Mauricio Garcia, 33, was shot and killed by police as he attacked shoppers in the city of Allen.

Texas gunman wore ‘Right Wing Death Squad’ patch as he killed eight at mall

Eight dead as witnesses describe thinking gunshots were ‘construction work’

Sunday 7 May 2023 23:00 , Andrea Blanco

Eight people have been killed and ‘at least’ a further nine injured following a shooting at a mall in Dallas, Texas.

The suspect, who is thought to have acted alone, was also shot dead by a nearby police officer.

It’s thought he opened fire at Allen Premium Outlets yesterday afternoon (6 May) using an AR-15-style gun, forcing shoppers to run and hide.

Medics claim they have been treating victims as young as five.

Texas: Eight killed and ‘at least’ nine injured in Dallas mall shooting

ICYMI: Everything we know about deadly outlet massacre

Sunday 7 May 2023 22:08 , Andrea Blanco

Eight people have died and seven were injured when a gunman dressed in tactical gear and armed with an assault rifle opened fire at an outlet mall in Allen, Texas.

The suspect was shot dead by a police officer who was responding to an unrelated call, police said.

He has been identified by law enforcement sources as 33-year-old Mauricio Garcia, according to NBC News.

Hundreds of shoppers fled from Allen Premium Outlets, a large outdoor shopping centre, after gunfire erupted at about 3.30pm local time on Saturday.

Seven people, including the gunman, were pronounced dead at the scene, and two more died after being taken to hospital, the Allen Police Department said.

Here’s what we know so far about the shooting:

Texas mall shooting: Everything we know about deadly outlet massacre

Surviver recounts frantic scene at Allen Premium Outlets

Sunday 7 May 2023 22:00 , Andrea Blanco

Hundreds of terrified shoppers fled in panic after a gunman stepped out of a silver sedan and opened fire at a Dallas-area outlet mall, killing eight and wounding seven before being killed by a police officer who happened to be nearby, authorities said.

The shooting in Allen, Texas, on Saturday was the latest eruption of what has been an unprecedented pace of mass killings in the U.S. Barely a week before, authorities say, a man fatally shot five people in Cleveland, Texas, after a neighbor asked him to stop firing his weapon while a baby slept.

Police did not immediately provide details about the victims at Allen Premium Outlets, a sprawling outdoor shopping center, but witnesses reported seeing children among them. Some said they also saw what appeared to be a police officer and a mall security guard unconscious on the ground.

A 16-year-old pretzel stand employee, Maxwell Gum, described a virtual stampede of shoppers. He and others sheltered in a storage room.

“We started running. Kids were getting trampled,” Gum said. “My co-worker picked up a 4-year-old girl and gave her to her parents.”

Family say security guard among eight killed at Allen mall

Sunday 7 May 2023 21:35 , Andrea Blanco

The family of a security guard who worked at Allen Premium Outlets have said he is among the deceased in Saturday’s shooting.

Sandra Montgomery wrote in a Facebook post: “My beautiful grandson, Christian LaCour, was the security guard killed in the shooting ...”

“He was such a beautiful soul, 22 years old with goals for his future I was so proud of him and so glad I got to see him 2 weeks ago. Please pray for my family ...”

Sandra Montgomery

Garcias’ family home is raided amid repots he worked as security guard

Sunday 7 May 2023 21:05 , Andrea Blanco

According to CBS News reporter JD Miles, Garcia was a security guard with no serious criminal record.

He had been living in a motel at the time the shooting, Mr Miles said.

FBI agents raided a Dallas home where Garcia had been living with his parents for years, according to Fox News.

Officers were stationed outside the address on Sunday. The suspect’s family reportedly requested a translator to speak with authorities.

Everything we know about gunman Mauricio Garcia who killed eight in outlet mall massacre

Sunday 7 May 2023 20:53 , Andrea Blanco

A gunman clad in black body armour and armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle opened fire at a Texas mall on Saturday, killing eight people and injuring seven others..

The Independent’s Bevan Hurley has more:

Everything we know about the Texas mall shooter

Who is the gunman who killed eight at Texas mall?

Sunday 7 May 2023 20:52 , Andrea Blanco

The man identified as the gunman in Saturday’s shooting is Mauricio Garcia.

No motive has been released as of Sunday evening.

Pictures of the scene appeared to show the deceased gunman, dressed in black tactical gear and an AR-15-style rifle next to him.

Texas shooter identified as Mauricio Garcia

Sunday 7 May 2023 20:05 , Andrea Blanco

The gunman who murdered eight people at a Texas mall on Saturday has been identified as Mauricio Garcia, according to reports.

Follow the story:

Texas mall gunman is identified as Mauricio Garcia

Homeland Security in touch with Texas authorities

Sunday 7 May 2023 19:46 , Andrea Blanco

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told CBS he had spoken with Texas Gov Gregg Abbott and Allen Mayor Ken Fulk.

Mr Mayorkas said that state and local law enforcement are leading the investigation.

Republicans insist most gun violence happens in Democratic cities – the figures tell a different story

Sunday 7 May 2023 19:25 , Andrea Blanco

Conservatives like to paint Democratic states as crime-ridden war zones, but gun violence is worse in red states.

The Independent’s Josh Marcus writes:

GOP says gun violence mostly happens in Democratic cities – the figures disagree

How many mass shootings have there been in 2023?

Sunday 7 May 2023 19:00 , Andrea Blanco

Over the last decade, among relatively wealthy countries with populations of 10m or more, the rate of gun violence in the US has far surpassed that of any other nation. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, the adjusted firearm homicide rate in the US is 22 times that of the European Union and more than that of Asian countries like Japan and the Republic of Korea.

Read more:

How many mass shootings have there been in 2023?

Abbott blames ‘increase’ in anger after Texas mall shooting

Sunday 7 May 2023 18:44 , Andrea Blanco

Texas Gov Greg Abbott blamed a rising “anger” in American society as he responded to calls for action after a horrific mass shooting occurred at an outlet mall in his state Saturday evening.

The Republican governor was speaking on Fox News Sunday as he faced scorn and derision from critics online over a 2015 tweet urging residents in his state to buy more guns and overtake California in terms of rates of new gun ownership.

The Independent’s John Bowden reports:

Greg Abbott blames ‘anger’ after Texas mall shooting as call for more guns resurfaces

Biden calls on Congress to act after Texas mall massacre: ‘Such an attack is too shocking to be so familiar’

Sunday 7 May 2023 18:21 , Andrea Blanco

President Joe Biden made it clear that he believes the conservative right bears the responsibility to act and offer solutions on Sunday after America awoke to news of the latest horrific massacre to strike a public place.

In a statement released by the White House, the president wrote that Republicans could not simply “shrug” away the latest news and must instead act to reduce the number of guns prevalent in the United States.

The Independent’s John Bowden has the story:

Biden says Republicans shouldn’t ‘shrug’ away Texas mall shooting

‘Mayhem and panic’: Survivors describe horrific scenes as gunman killed eight in Texas mall mass shooting

Sunday 7 May 2023 17:49 , Andrea Blanco

Witnesses have described the horrific scenes when a gunman opened fire at a Texas outlet mall killing eight and wounding another seven victims.

Survivors recalled the gunman, who was reportedly dressed in black body armour, getting out of a silver car and firing into a crowd of people at the Allen Premium Outlets in the city of Allen.

The Independent’s Graeme Massie has the story:

Survivors describe horrific scenes as gunman killed eight in Texas mall mass shooting

Uvalde Senator calls out Republicans for 'thoughts and prayers’

Sunday 7 May 2023 17:20 , Andrea Blanco

Senator Roland Gutierrez, who serves the district where 19 students and two teachers were killed during a mass shooting last year, has said he “is done” with the thoughts and prayers offered by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Lt Governor Dan Patrick every time a mass shooting unfolds in the Lone Star State.

“There is a special kind of hell for people who have this kind of problem staring them square in the face and have done nothing about it,” Mr Gutierrez told MSNBC. “I don’t care about their thoughts and prayers. I witnessed eight of nineteen funerals a year ago. I spent hundreds of hours looking at bodycam footage because I needed to see how our cops failed. I saw babies mutilated with AR-15.”

He added: “This Governor and this Lt Governor, I’m sorry but they can go to hell. I am tired of people saying this stuff and doing nothing.”

President Joe Biden pleads with Republican for gun regulations

Sunday 7 May 2023 17:10 , Andrea Blanco

President Biden issued an statement on Sunday after a gunman opened fire at a mall in Allen, Texas, killing eight and injuring seven others.

“Such an attack is too shocking to be so familiar,” the statement read. “And yet, American communities have suffered roughly 200 mass shootings already this year, according to leading counts. More than 14,000 of our fellow citizens have lost their lives, credible estimates show.

“The leading cause of death for American kids is gun violence.”

“Once again I ask Congress to send me a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines,” Mr Biden said. “Enacting universal background checks. Requiring safe storage. Ending immunity for gun manufacturers. I will sign it immediately. We need nothing less to keep our streets safe.”

‘Mental health didn’t kill these people, it was an automatic rifle with bullets'

Sunday 7 May 2023 17:04 , Andrea Blanco

A heroic former police officer who rushed to the scene of Saturday’s mass shooting in Allen, Texas, has slammed politician’s response to the carnage.

“…it wasn’t mental health that killed these people, it was an automatic rifle with bullets,” Steven Spainhouer said on MSNBC’s The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart.

“That’s what killed them. I’m a gun lover. I have guns. I’m a former police officer. I’m a former Army officer but these AR-15, they’ve gotta get out of the streets or these things are going to keep happening...”

Mr Spainhouer also noted that it is time for a change in legislation while criticising political leaders’ reactions to the shooting.

“All the politicians [issuing statement].” They all offer prayers and condolences. Prayers and condolences won’t bring these people back. We need action in our legislatures,” he said. “Prayers and condolences won’t bring these people back”

Officer at the scene for unrelated call was the one who took down gunman

Sunday 7 May 2023 16:34 , Andrea Blanco

“Allen Police Department is heartbroken to confirm nine casualties from today’s shooting at Allen Premium Outlets. Seven individuals, including the suspect, were deceased at the scene,” the Allen Police Department said in a statement.

“Nine were transported to regional hospitals where two later succumbed to their injuries. As of Saturday evening, three victims were in critical condition and four were stable. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has video footage should contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).”

Flags to be flown at half-staff

Sunday 7 May 2023 16:20 , Andrea Blanco

President Joe Biden has ordered flags to be flown half-staff after eight people were killed by a gunman in Allen, Texas, on Saturday.

The president has been briefed on the tragedy.

The identity of the suspect has yet to be released.

WATCH: Witness of Texas mall massacre describes horrific scene finding girl 'with no face'

Sunday 7 May 2023 16:07 , Andrea Blanco

Governor Abbott to visit Allen today

Sunday 7 May 2023 15:35 , Andrea Blanco

“Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy,” said Governor Abbott.

“I have been in contact with Mayor Fulk and DPS Director McCraw as well as other state and local leaders and offered the full support of the State of Texas to local officials to ensure all needed assistance and resources are swiftly deployed, including DPS officers, Texas Rangers, and investigative resources.”

How easy is to purchase a gun without a background check in Texas?

Sunday 7 May 2023 15:20 , Andrea Blanco

Texas has some of the most lenient gun laws in the country.

Most adults are allowed to carry a handgun in a holster both openly and concealed, without a permit.

Private firearm dealers in the Lone Star State are not required to conduct background checks before selling, despite three-fourths of Texas supporting such measures, according to Texas Gun Sense.

Audio reveals moment officer made frantic request for backup moments before taking down Texas mall shooter

Sunday 7 May 2023 15:10 , Andrea Blanco

Audio released on Sunday reveals the moment a heroic officer frantically requested backup before neutralising the Texas mall gunman.

Read more:

Moment officer makes frantic request for backup before taking down Texas mall shooter

Marjorie Taylor Greene sidesteps gun issue, blames Texas mall shooting on ‘evil forces

Sunday 7 May 2023 14:41 , John Bowden

Georgia’s Marjorie Taylor Greene joined the list of Republicans refusing to point the finger at the staggering number of firearms, including high-powered rifles, existing in American society on Saturday as she cast blame for yet another horrific yet wholly unsurprising massacre that unfolded over the weekend.

At least eight people are dead as well as the suspected gunman in Allen, Texas, after a mass shooting broke out at an outlet mall. Witnesses described a scene of sheer carnage and terror on the streets of one of the US’s largest states as America reckoned with another all-too-common day of violence and blood.

The conspiracy-embracing Republican congresswoman from Georgia commented that “evil forces” were at work causing the shootings. There was no mention of guns, the issue of safety in America’s most conservative areas (an issue Ms Greene and her fellows enjoy raising about their liberal counterparts), or even any suggestion of a path forward out of the brutal, heartbreaking reality of American life under an epidemic of gun violence.

Read more:

Marjorie Taylor Greene blames Texas mall shooting on ‘evil forces’

How did the shooting unfold?

Sunday 7 May 2023 14:09 , Andrea Blanco

The gunfire erupted around 3.30pm local time on Saturday at Allen Premium Outlets where hundreds of shoppers had come to spend their weekends.

Videos circulating on social media show the shooter stepping out of a silver sedan and firing indiscriminately at people outside the mall.

At a news conference, Allen police chief Brian Harvey did not identify the shooter but said he acted alone.

ICYM: Gunman kills eight and wounds seven in mass shooting at Texas outlet mall

Sunday 7 May 2023 13:30 , Shweta Sharma

A gunman killed eight people and wounded another seven in a mass shooting at an outlet mall in Texas, say authorities.

The gunman, who has not yet been named, was also shot and killed by police after the shocking incident unfolded at the Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, Texas, on Saturday afternoon.

Seven people died at the scene and two more were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, Allen

Fire Department Chief Jonathan Boyd told reporters on Saturday night.

Gunman kills eight and wounds seven in mass shooting at Texas outlet mall

Governor Greg Abbott comments on ‘unspeakable tragedy'

Sunday 7 May 2023 13:02 , Graeme Massie

“Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy,” said Governor Abbott.

“I have been in contact with Mayor Fulk and DPS Director McCraw as well as other state and local leaders and offered the full support of the State of Texas to local officials to ensure all needed assistance and resources are swiftly deployed, including DPS officers, Texas Rangers, and investigative resources.”

Teen fatally shot at after-prom party in another Texas shooting

Sunday 7 May 2023 12:30 , Shweta Sharma

A 16-year-old was shot dead at an after-prom party in Texas on Saturday morning after he exchanged gunfire with the father of another partygoer, officials said.

The deadly shooting occurred at about 1.30am in the 8500 block of Majesticbrook Court in Copperfield, northwest Houston, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

The victim, identified as Isaac Zetino, was attending the party at a friend’s home when the father of a teenage girl showed up and began arguing with him and another juvenile, sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.

Teen fatally shot at after-prom party in Texas

Texas lawmaker says ‘multiple casualties’ and gunman ‘down’

Sunday 7 May 2023 12:04 , Graeme Massie

“We are devastated by the tragic news of the shootings that took place at the Allen Premium Outlets today. Our prayers are with the victims and their families and all law enforcement on the scene,” tweeted US Representative Keith Self for Texas’s 3rd congressional district, which includes Collin County.

“This is an ongoing situation, but Allen PD has full control of the scene. A shooter is down and there are multiple casualties. They are continuing to work to ensure the scene is safe. The public is being asked to stay away from that area while this investigation continues.”

Injured people in shooting age from five to 61

Sunday 7 May 2023 11:30 , Shweta Sharma

Medical City Healthcare, a Dallas-area hospital system, said in a written statement it was treating eight people between the ages of five and 61.

Seven people, including the shooter, died near the mall, while two died on their way to the hospital on Saturday.

“Nine victims were transported to local hospitals by Allen Fire Department,” police said.

Three people injured are reported to be critically injured while others are stable in the hospital receiving medical treatment.

What we know about the Allen mall shooter

Sunday 7 May 2023 10:45 , Shweta Sharma

The gunman who opened fire at shoppers on Saturday afternoon at Allen Premium Outlets in Dallas was shot dead by a police officer.

Police are yet to confirm the identity of the shooter.

An eyewitness said the suspect was a heavyset man wearing all black and he saw him lying motionless on the floor.

According to initial reports, the shooter stepped out from a silver sedan in the parking lot of the mall and began firing towards people outside.

Dashcam video that has circulated online purports to show the gunman getting out of a car and shooting at people on the sidewalk. More than three dozen shots could be heard as the vehicle recording the video drove off.

According to WFAA, FBI agents arrived at a home in in the Northeast patrol division of Dallas to interrogate the parents of the suspect on Saturday evening.

The suspect is believed to have been in his 30s.

Neighbours told the outlet that the police had been inside the house ever since.

Speaking about the suspect, one neighbour told WFAA he always wore some kind of security guard uniform and has lived in the area for a long time.

More scenes from mall shooting in Texas

Sunday 7 May 2023 10:03 , Graeme Massie

‘Special place in hell’ for people who block gun control laws, Texas state senator says

Sunday 7 May 2023 09:10 , Shweta Sharma

Texas state senator Roland Gutierrez, a Democrat who is from Uvalde, reacted angrily to the shooting.

“There is a special place in hell for people who watch all this happen and choose to do nothing,” he said.

The senator shared the tweet with a hashtag #bloodontheirhands.

Witnesses say children among those killed in shooting

Sunday 7 May 2023 08:30 , Shweta Sharma

While police are yet to confirm the identities of the victims in the shooting, witnesses said they saw children among them.

Tarakram Nunna, 25, and Ramakrishna Mullapudi, 26, said they saw what appeared to be three people motionless on the ground, including one who appeared to be a police officer and one who appeared to be a mall security guard.

Another shopper, Sharkie Mouli, 24, said he hid in a Banana Republic store during the shooting. As he left, he saw what appeared to be an unconscious police officer lying next to another unconscious person outside the outlet store.

“I have seen his gun lying right next to him and a guy who is like passing out right next to him,” Mr Mouli said.

More pictures from scene of Texas shooting

Sunday 7 May 2023 07:56 , Graeme Massie

Outraged gun control advocates demand action

Sunday 7 May 2023 07:30 , Shweta Sharma

Several Democrats and other gun control advocates were left outraged by yet another mass shooting in the US and demanded action.

California governor Gavin Newsom said: “This is freedom?? To be shot at a mall? Shot at school? Shot at church? Shot at the movies?”

“We have become a nation that is more focused on the right to kill than the right to live. This is not what the American people want,” he added.

Shannon Watts, founder of advocacy group Moms Demand Action, said the shooting was the “logical outcome of allowing extremists like this to dictate our nation’s gun laws”.

“If you haven’t been impacted yet by gun violence, God bless you. But sadly it’s coming — to your state, community, school,” she said.

Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence said: “These horrific tragedies are occurring with increasing regularity and it’s clear there’s no place in this country where Americans are safe from gun violence.”

Allen mall massacre is 199th mass shooting this year

Sunday 7 May 2023 07:00 , Shweta Sharma

The shooting at Allen mall is the 199th mass shooting in the US this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

It comes just a week after a gunman killed five people in Cleveland, Texas, after he was asked by a neighbour to stop shooting as they were trying to sleep. The shooter, who was on the run, was captured after a manhunt spreading over days.

On Monday, a man who was a registered sex offender shot six people, including his wife and three children, near Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Gunman kills eight and wounds seven in mass shooting at Texas outlet mall

Sunday 7 May 2023 06:30 , Shweta Sharma

A gunman killed eight people and wounded another seven in a mass shooting at an outlet mall in Texas, say authorities.

The gunman, who has not yet been named, was also shot and killed by police after the shocking incident unfolded at the Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, Texas, on Saturday afternoon.

Seven people died at the scene and two more were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, Allen Fire Department Chief Jonathan Boyd told reporters on Saturday night.

Gunman kills eight and wounds seven in mass shooting at Texas outlet mall

Silver car with bullet holes seen outside store in shopping mall

Sunday 7 May 2023 06:01 , Graeme Massie

Ted Cruz praises ‘incredible law enforcement’ for killing shooting ‘monster’

Sunday 7 May 2023 05:30 , Shweta Sharma

Texas senator Ted Cruz expressed condolences and praised law enforcement for gunning down the “monster” shooter.

“Heidi and I are praying for the families of the victims of the horrific mall shooting in Allen, Texas. We pray also for the broader Collin County community that’s in shock from this tragedy,” he said.

“My team is in contact with local officials, and I have offered whatever support is needed to do justice and help those in need. Thank you to the incredible law enforcement who put a stop to the monster who committed this act of evil.”

Officer on unrelated call in mall neutralised shooter, police say

Sunday 7 May 2023 05:09 , Shweta Sharma

In a press briefing, Allen police chief Brian Harvey said an officer who was at the Allen mall on an unrelated call heard the shooting and responded to it.

He said he located the shooter and shot him down

“He heard gunshots, located the gunshots, located the shooter, neutralized the shooter,” police chief Harvey said.

He said the gunman is believed to have acted alone.

“We believe at this point that the shooter acted alone. We are asking for the public’s help. If you are a witness, if you have video, call 1-800-FBI. This is an ongoing, active investigation.”

Shoppers recount horror of seeing bloodied clothes

Sunday 7 May 2023 05:00 , Shweta Sharma

Several shoppers who came to Allen Premium Outlets mall in Allen, Texas on Saturday said they ran for cover as they heard loud popping noises,

Fontayne Payton, 35, was at H&M when he heard the sound of gunshots through the headphones he was wearing.

“It was so loud, it sounded like it was right outside,” Mr Payton said.

People in the store scattered before employees ushered the group into the fitting rooms and then a lockable back room, he said. When they were given the all-clear to leave, Payton saw the store had broken windows and a trail of blood to the door. Discarded sandals and bloodied clothes were laying nearby.

Once outside, Mr Payton saw bodies. “I pray it wasn’t kids, but it looked like kids,” he said. The bodies were covered in white towels, slumped over bags on the ground, he said. “It broke me when I walked out to see that,” he said.

Further away, he saw the body of a heavyset man wearing all black. He assumed it was the shooter, Mr Payton said, because unlike the other bodies it had not been covered up.

Tarakram Nunna, 25, and Ramakrishna Mullapudi, 26, said they saw what appeared to be three people lying motionless on the ground, including one who appeared to be a police officer and another who appeared to be a mall security guard.

Another shopper, Sharkie Mouli, 24, said he hid in a Banana Republic store during the shooting. As he left, he saw what appeared to be an unconscious police officer lying next to another unconscious person outside the outlet store.

“I have seen his gun lying right next to him and a guy who is like passing out right next to him,” Mr Mouli said.

Vigil for Texas mall shooting victims to be held in evening

Sunday 7 May 2023 04:39 , Shweta Sharma

A vigil will take place for the victims of the shooting at the Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church in Allen at 5pm on Sunday.

“There are many, many people tonight in our community that are hurting,” state representative Jeff Leach, told reporters.

He said the vigil will provide a moment of healing for families.

Gunshots can be heard in social media video of shooting

Sunday 7 May 2023 04:04 , Graeme Massie

Police respond to reports of shooting at Texas shopping mall

Sunday 7 May 2023 02:05 , Graeme Massie

Collin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson says that there are multiple victims, including children.

Police respond to reports of shooting at Texas shopping mall

At least nine victims taken to hospital

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:56 , Graeme Massie

Officials told reporters that at least nine victims had been taken to hospital and that there were multiple fatalities. Authorities did not give an exact number of those killed but said the gunman was dead.

Images from scene of shooting

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:31 , Graeme Massie

More scenes from outlet mall shooting in Texas

Sunday 7 May 2023 00:15 , Graeme Massie

At least two people killed in mall shooting, says report

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:55 , Graeme Massie

NBC Dallas says that witnesses have told them there were at least two fatalities in the shooting at the outlet mall in Allen, Texas.

Witnesses told the channel that two bodies were covered by sheets on the sidewalk at the mall.

Heavily-armed police respond to mall shooting in Texas

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:52 , Graeme Massie

Pictures from scene of shooting

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:44 , Graeme Massie

Texas mall shooting

Saturday 6 May 2023 23:29 , Graeme Massie

This is a live blog covering a reported shooting at an outlet mall in Allen, Texas.