EL PASO, Texas (AP) — Authorities believe a deadly attack at or near a shopping mall in El Paso, Texas, was carried out by a single gunman who is in custody.
Police spokesman Robert Gomez says investigators are still trying to determine what happened during Saturday's attack. He says multiple people were shot, but he didn't say how many.
Multiple shooters were also ruled out.
He said in the press conference initial reports were a rifle being used, but he couldn't confirm that.
City officials have said there were multiple people killed, but they didn't say how many.
State Rep. Cesar Blanco said on MSNBC that he had received reports that at least 18 people had been shot.
NBC News reports that a University Medical Center of El Paso official said it had received at least 10 seriously injured victims and that victims had also been taken to other hospitals.
El Paso, which has about 680,000 residents, is in West Texas and sits across the border from Juarez, Mexico.
In earlier reports Saturday, KTSM 9 News in El Paso was reporting that police-reported sources reported there were 18 people have been killed, as of Saturday afternoon. The public looking for loved ones at the Cielo Vista Mall or Walmart can go to the reunification site at McArthur Middle School.
Police have not confirmed that number yet as of Saturday afternoon.
Also on Saturday afternoon, KTSM 9 News tweeted this:Just coming into the newsroom. https://t.co/SRvki8pz56
— Monica Cortez (@MonicaKTSM)
August 3, 2019There's been video released by someone inside the Cielo Vista Mall on the Global News Network Twitter: (Warning: graphic content)
BREAKING: Video footage from inside the Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas#ElPaso #Texas #Cielovistapic.twitter.com/Vq5vNYLimC
— Global News Network (@GlobalNews77)
August 3, 2019Presidential candidate and former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke says he's distraught by the news of a mass-shooting in his hometown of El Paso, Texas.
An emotional O'Rourke told reporters on Saturday in Las Vegas that he had spoken by phone to El Paso Mayor Dee Margo, the city's sheriff and U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar. He says they were still learning details about the attack at or near the Cielo Vista Mall. Police say multiple people were killedand a male suspect was taken into custody.
O'Rourke said he planned to return home immediately to be with his family. He asked "for everyone's strength for El Paso right now. Everyone's resolve to make sure that this does not continue to happen in this country."
El Paso, which has about 680,000 residents, is in West Texas and sits across the border from Juarez, Mexico.
BREAKING: ATF is en route to assist @EPPOLICE at the scene of a reported shooting in the area of #CieloVistaMall in #ElPaso TX. Please stay away from the area and refrain from posting first responder activity on social media. https://t.co/uw3DEFZRJt pic.twitter.com/0KqUK5nmmI
— ATF Dallas (@ATFDallas)
August 3, 2019At the scene of shooting w multiple fatalities at the Walmart Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas. Follow https://t.co/vIITlQXpBQ for updates. pic.twitter.com/mWrmObtC1R
— Julian R (@JulianDFW)
August 3, 2019Police say they’re searching multiple scenes, primarily the Walmart. They confirm one person in custody, multiple fatalities.
— Alejandra Briones (@AlejandraBrioTV)
August 3, 2019BREAKING: Mayor Dee Margo just confirmed that there are fatalities involved in the Cielo Vista Walmart shooting. #EPShootingWATCH LIVE: https://t.co/JUhJrhBb26
— KTSM 9 News (@KTSMtv)
August 3, 2019In El Paso, the Texas Dept. of Public Safety is assisting local law enforcement & federal authorities to bring this tragedy to the swiftest & safest possible conclusion. We thank all First Responders for their courageous response & urge all area residents to remain safe. https://t.co/H6UDwu81SY
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX)
August 3, 2019This story is developing. KNX 1070 contributed to this report.
