There were reports of gunfire at the Allen Premium Outlets in Texas on Saturday afternoon. At least eight individuals were dead and seven others were injured when police arrived.
According to WFAA’s reporting, the Collin County sheriff confirmed many casualties, including children, and the death of the shooter at the site. Multiple law enforcement agencies were present, including the local police and the ATF and TDPS from Texas.
According to the Allen Police Department, nine persons as young as five and as old as 61 were hospitalized. According to the police, the gunman acted alone. visiting 3:36 p.m. local time, a police officer who had been visiting the mall for another purpose heard gunfire. The officer “neutralized” the gunman in an attempt to stop the shooting and then called for backup.
Several police officers entered the stores as live overhead footage from Fox 4 showed a queue of people fleeing the mall. The footage also appeared to show multiple bodies covered in white blankets outside of an H&M store.
Allen Premium Outlets, located around 25 miles north of Dallas, is home to more than 120 discount retail stores.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott released a statement after the incident saying he had spoken with Allen’s mayor and the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
After the shooting, Abbott remarked, “Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight as they deal with this unimaginable tragedy.” I’ve had conversations with state and local officials, including DPS Director McCraw and Mayor Fulk. I have assured local officials that the State of Texas would provide whatever assistance is required, including the rapid deployment of DPS officers, Texas Rangers, and investigative personnel.