As RedState reported, on Saturday, a gunman opened fire at an outlet mall in Allen, Texas, wounding multiple people before he was “neutralized” by a responding officer, who happened to be in the area on an unrelated call.
Authorities have provided additional details regarding the shooting, confirming that eight people were killed in addition to the shooter, and seven other people were wounded.
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.
While the victims have not yet been identified, witness accounts indicate a police officer, mall security guard, and children may be among them.
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.
The gunman has not yet been identified, nor has a motive. Witness Fontayne Payton, 35, described seeing the body of a heavyset man wearing all black whom he assumed to be the shooter because the body wasn’t covered as the others were.
The Allen Police Department posted an update on its Facebook page late Saturday night.
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. 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).
STATEMENT FROM MAYOR KEN FULK:
Today is a tragic day for the City of Allen, our citizens, our friends and visitors who were at the Allen Premium Outlets. We are a strong and caring community, and we want all of the victims and their families impacted by this tragedy to know that we will wrap our arms around you, and we are here for you. The city of Allen pledges to offer our complete support. We know you are grieving, we are grieving. Rest assured, the nation and the world are also grieving.
Allen is a proud and safe city which makes today’s senseless act of violence even more shocking. 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. We also want to thank all of our surrounding municipalities and law enforcement agencies for offering their assistance at the scene. This collective effort is what makes our North Texas communities united.
We know the days ahead will be difficult and somber. While we remember the victims of today’s shooting, we want to convey our appreciation for the condolences and notes we are receiving from all over the world. I have received calls from The White House, Governor Abbot and many other national, state and county officials who have reached out to the City of Allen to express their support and desire to help the Allen Community in any way possible.
On behalf of the city council, our law enforcement personnel, first responders and all of our city employees – we will remain strong and stand united.
Retired Dallas police officer Dr. Tre Pennie joined Fox and Friends Sunday morning to discuss the incident, as video from the scene was shown.
RedState will provide additional updates on the story as they become available.