Shortly before 4:25 p.m. CT Saturday, the Allen Police Department said that law enforcement was at Allen Premium Outlets, in Allen, Texas, where an active investigation was underway. Authorities said Saturday evening that nine people were killed and seven were injured.
As of 7 p.m. CT, Allen Fire Chief Jonathan Boyd said in a press conference that at least nine shooting victims were taken by ambulances to local hospitals.
NBC 5 DFW said that there were reports of a shooting at the mall. U.S. Rep Keith Seif said in a tweet that a shooter was down and there were multiple casualties as of 5:17 p.m. CT Saturday.
KRLD’S Barb Schwarz talked with a shopper who was on lockdown. She said they were in the mall for around a half an hour.
“My son ran to the doorway and saw the shooter, dressed all in black,” in what looked like tactical gear, said the woman. She said that the shooter was armed with “a big huge rifle” and that they saw a “woman, face down, not moving.”
KRLD has learned that an active shooter, or possibly shooters, were in an H&M store at the mall. Surrounding stores placed on lockdown.
Later that night CNN reported that a manhunt was underway for a potential second suspect, citing an unnamed source. Experts who spoke to the outlet said there may or not be a second shooter, or a second shooter could have been another shopper attempting to stop the first shooter. More investigation was needed as of Saturday evening.
Juliette Kayyem, CNN national security analyst, said that many shoppers could have carried firearms at the mall due to Texas gun laws.
A TikTok video posted by the account dallas_texastv allegedly includes audio of the gunfire at the mall.
There are reports that people were injured or killed, but numbers were not available as of 4:52 p.m. CT Saturday. A Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter was deployed, and surrounding police and fire departments have been called in to help. At around 6 p.m. CT, police believed that they had identified the vehicle of the deceased suspect, which is being examined by the bomb squad as a precaution, a source told CNN.
“Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas, tonight during this unspeakable tragedy,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in a statement. He said he has been in contact with other elected officials and enforcement and is offering full support from the state.
Check back for updates.
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