Texas shooting - live: Nine dead including ‘monster’ shooter in massacre at Allen mall

A shooter has killed eight people and injured seven others as he began firing outside a crowded Dallas area outlet mall on Saturday before being shot down by a police officer.

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 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.

He said an officer at the mall on an unrelated call heard the shots and found the suspect. “The officer engaged the suspect and neutralised the threat. He then called for emergency personnel,” he added.

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

Key Points

• 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’

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

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

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'

16:07 , Andrea Blanco

Governor Abbott to visit Allen today

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?

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

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

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?

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

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'

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

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’

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

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

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

10:03 , Graeme Massie

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

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

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

07:56 , Graeme Massie

Outraged gun control advocates demand action

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

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

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

06:01 , Graeme Massie

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

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

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

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

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

04:04 , Graeme Massie

Police respond to reports of shooting at Texas shopping mall

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.