On Saturday afternoon, a shooting at Allen Premium Outlets, a shopping center in a Dallas suburb, resulted in the death of nine people, including the assailant, and injured seven others, according to local law enforcement.
A member of the Allen Police Department, while attending to an unrelated matter, heard gunshots at the mall around 3:36 p.m. The officer was able to locate and incapacitate the perpetrator, said Police Chief Brian Harvey. The shooter is believed to have acted alone.
Following the incident, the officer requested emergency support, and multiple agencies collaborated to secure the shopping center. Chief Harvey acknowledged the ongoing and active nature of the investigation.
Initially, seven fatalities were reported on site, including the gunman. Nine additional individuals were transported to nearby hospitals, with two of them later succumbing to their injuries. Allen Fire Department Chief Jonathan Boyd confirmed that of the remaining seven hospitalized victims, three are in critical condition and four are in stable condition.
A local hospital system, Medical City Healthcare, revealed that they are currently treating eight victims aged between 5 and 61 years old.
Social media footage shows an individual believed to be the shooter exiting a vehicle and opening fire near the shopping center. Numerous law enforcement vehicles, armored trucks, and ambulances arrived at the scene. Hundreds of people were evacuated from the vicinity, with authorities guiding them away from the shopping center.
Fontayne Payton, a witness, reported hearing gunfire while in a store at the mall. Police Chief Harvey expressed sympathy and condolences for the victims' families, acknowledging the tragedy and the search for answers.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he had been in contact with local officials and offered the full support of the state to ensure the necessary resources and assistance were provided.
U.S. Representative Keith Self, who represents the district encompassing Collin County, expressed his devastation and offered prayers for the victims, their families, and law enforcement personnel. President Biden has also been briefed on the incident and is in contact with local authorities to offer support.
