At least eight people were killed after gunfire prompted a police response at a Texas outlet mall in Allen, officials say.
The Allen Police Department said seven people were deceased at the scene, including the shooter; nine were taken to the hospital, and two of those have died. The total number of fatalities is nine, including the shooter.
Medical City Healthcare told Scripps News that it received several victims from the shooting, ranging in ages from 5 to 61, who are currently being treated at its trauma facilities. Police said three of the victims are in critical condition, and four are in stable condition.
Authorities said that around 3:36 p.m. on Saturday, an officer was on an unrelated call and heard gunshots at the Allen Premium Outlets.
Officials confirmed that the officer found the shooter and "neutralized" them. Authorities have not yet identified the suspect.
Early reports from police and witnesses claim the gunman pulled up to the outlet in a gray car and opened fire on people walking on the sidewalk. Some witnesses said more than three dozen shots could be heard.
"As soon as I get out of the store — ghost city — like I don't see nobody. And I keep walking, all doors were locked up, every shop [keeping] people inside, except me, I keep walking," shopper Eber Romero told Scripps News. "That's when I see the scene, people's bodies and everything."
"It's messed up," another witness, Cole Korchek, told Scripps News. "My mom is pretty torn up. I know I'm going to have some thinking to do after this."
Details on the victims have not yet been released.
Mayor Ken Fulk spoke out after the shooting, saying that the City of Allen pledged its complete support to those impacted and to the community. He also commended authorities for their response to the incident.
"Allen is a proud and safe city which makes today’s senseless act of violence even more shocking," Fulk said. "However, I want to commend our police and fire departments for their quick response. Their thorough training not to hesitate to move toward the threat likely saved more lives today."
He also thanked responders from surrounding cities for their assistance at the scene.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott also spoke out in a statement following the shooting.
"Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy," said 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."
Police said they have yet to determine a motive for the shooter's actions.
A vigil will take place Sunday at Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church in Allen.
The incident follows another recent mass shooting in Texas where a man killed five of his neighbors in the city of Cleveland.
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President Joe Biden ordered flags to fly at half-staff in honor of the Allen, Texas, victims. The flag can already be seen lowered at the White House. The order will stand until sunset on Thursday.
The incident was the third mass shooting to unfold in the U.S. on Saturday.
In total this year, there have been 199 mass shootings in America — which is more than days so far in the year, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
