There is an unspecified number of fatalities and multiple people injured in a shooting at an outdoor outlet mall in Texas on Saturday, police said.
A shooter has been “neutralized,” police said.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, a northern suburb of Dallas. The Allen Police Department earlier confirmed to ABC News they were responding to an active shooter incident at the mall.
Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey confirmed during a press briefing that there have been fatalities in the incident but did not have a firm number.
“This is a tragedy. People will be looking for answers,” he said. “We’re sorry that those families are experiencing that loss.”
At least nine people were transported from the scene to local hospitals, according to Allen Fire Chief Jonathan Boyd. There may be others who were transported in private vehicles, he said.
An officer who was at the outlet mall on an unrelated call heard responded to the shooting around 3:36 p.m., Harvey said.
“He heard gunshots, went to the gunshots engaged the suspect and neutralized the suspect,” Harvey said.
The police chief said they believed the male shooter acted alone.
“We don’t believe that there’s another threat at this time,” Harvey said.
The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are on the scene, according to spokespeople for the agencies.
Police have set up reunification areas.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement in response to a shooting at the mall, saying he has 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.”
“Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy,” Abbott said.
Police have asked residents to avoid the area amid the investigation.
Aerial footage from the scene showed shoppers being evacuated from the stores, many with their arms raised in the air.
Jaynal Pervez told reporters at the scene that his daughter works at the mall and texted him and her mother that there was a shooting and she’s “surrounded by the police.”
“She said, ‘Daddy, I love you,'” Pervez said.
“This is not what a typical Saturday one would expect living in places like in Allen,” he added.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Source: abc news
