A gunman killed eight people and wounded another seven in a mass shooting at an outlet mall in Texas, say authorities.
The gunman, who has not yet been named, was also shot and killed by police after the shocking incident unfolded at the Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, Texas, on Saturday afternoon.
Seven people died at the scene and two more were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, Allen Fire Department Chief Jonathan Boyd told reporters on Saturday night.
Three wounded victims were in critical condition, while four others were in stable condition, he said.
Medical City Healthcare spokesperson Janet St James, said their trauma facilities received eight patients between the age of 5 and 61 following the shooting.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the first responders, victims, their loved ones, and the North Texas community during this tragic event,” the facility said.
The violence broke out at around 3.36pm CDT and a police officer who was already at the mall responding to another situation heard gunshots and “engaged the suspect and neutralized the threat,” Allen police chief Brian Harvey told reporters.
Witnesses told WFAA that the gunman, who police say they believe acted alone, was dressed in black.
Helicopter video also showed a silver car in the street in front of stores with its doors open and riddled with bullet holes.
“Law enforcement is on the scene at Allen Premium Outlets. An active investigation is underway. Please avoid the area until further update,” tweeted Allen Police Department.
A Collin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told WFAA that there are multiple victims, including children. The sheriff also confirmed that the shooter is dead at the scene.
In a video posted to Twitter people could be seen running through a car park with the sound of loud gunshots heard in the background.
News channel footage from helicopters showed long lines of people being escorted away from the shops with their hands in the air.
Allen Premium Outlets is an outdoor mall with more than 120 outlet stores, its website states. It is located around 25 miles north of Dallas.
“We were outside the Converse store and we just heard all this popping,” eyewitness Elaine Penicaro, who was shopping with her daughter, told Fox4.
“We kind of all just stopped, and then a second later, just ‘Pop, pop, pop, pop, pop,’ and there were sparks flying like it was right in front of us.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that he was monitoring the situation.
“Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy,” said Governor Greg Abbott.
“I have been in contact with Mayor Fulk and DPS Director McCraw as well as other state and local leaders and offered the full support of the State of Texas to local officials to ensure all needed assistance and resources are swiftly deployed, including DPS officers, Texas Rangers, and investigative resources.”
US Representative Keith Self for Texas’s 3rd congressional district, which includes Collin County, issued a statement on the shooting.
“We are devastated by the tragic news of the shootings that took place at the Allen Premium Outlets today. Our prayers are with the victims and their families and all law enforcement on the scene,” he tweeted.
“This is an ongoing situation, but Allen PD has full control of the scene. A shooter is down and there are multiple casualties. They are continuing to work to ensure the scene is safe. The public is being asked to stay away from that area while this investigation continues.”
