NINE people - including the shooter - have died and seven others are injured following a shooting at a mall in Texas.
Police rushed to Allen Premium Outlets after receiving reports of an active shooter on Saturday at around 3.30pm.
7
7
7
7
7
Seven people were found dead at the scene, police said in a briefing on Saturday night.
At least nine victims were taken to nearby hospitals, Allen Police confirmed.
Two of those victims later died.
Of the injured, three are in "critical surgery" and four are stable, police said.
READ MORE ON SHOOTINGS
Police confirmed that there is no longer an active threat and that multiple agencies are assisting with the investigation.
"We believe at this point the shooter acted alone," police said Saturday night.
The identities of the victims and the shooter have not been revealed.
However, Medical City Healthcare told local ABC affiliate WFAA that the victims ranged in age from 5 to 61.
Most read in The US Sun
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information and video footage to call 1-800-225-5324.
'SPARKS FLYING'
Police said that a cop was responding to another call when the shooter began firing his weapon outside of the mall just after 3.30pm on Saturday.
"He heard gunshots, located the gunshots, located the shooter, neutralized the shooter," Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey said on Saturday night.
Cops arriving at the scene were equipped with long guns and handguns, the outlet reports.
Witnesses told WFAA that the shooting took place near the Fatburger restaurant within the mall.
They described seeing car and mall windows with bullet holes.
Witnesses also said the shooter was wearing armor and was dressed in all black.
One shopper told Fox 4 News that she was at the mall with her daughter when she "heard all this popping."
"We saw sparks flying," she added.
The shopper and her daughter ran into the Converse shoe store and were locked inside to shelter in place.
"We all hunkered down in the back," she said.
The witness added: "We just moved here so we're extremely shaken."
People on social media posted a video of shoppers running from the scene with what sounded like gunshots ringing.
Twitter users have also been reported desperately trying to get in touch with loved ones at the mall.
Officials eventually evacuated the mall and had shoppers and employees exit with their hands in the air.
Allen Premium Outlets is located about 28 miles Northeast of Dallas, Texas.
There are over 115 stores inside the mall.
Allen city officials told residents to "please avoid the area until further update" in a tweet.
LEADERS AND CELEBRITIES REACT
Texas officials and several celebrities have reacted to the latest shooting.
President Biden has been briefed on the shooting.
Senator Ted Cruz tweeted: "Heidi and I are praying for the families of the victims of the horrific mall shooting in Allen, Texas. We pray also for the broader Collin County community that’s in shock from this tragedy."
Cruz also said his team has been in touch with local officials.
"Thank you to the incredible law enforcement who put a stop to the monster who committed this act of evil," he continued.
Governor Greg Abbott released the following statement: "Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy."
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick also released a statement.
“Please join Jan and me in mourning the victims of the unspeakable tragedy in Allen. Please also join us in prayer for the victims’ families and friends along with the residents of Allen," he said.
"We are grateful for our brave first responders who were deployed to stop the shooter and investigate this hideous crime. We are thankful for their bravery and courage."
Republican Congressman Keith Self represents Allen.
He tweeted: "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."
Texas Representative Jeff Leach is an Allen resident who lives about a mile from where the shooting occurred.
"We are resolute in our commitment to praying and believing for the victims and their families," he said Saturday night.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray went to high school in Allen.
Read More on The US Sun
"This is sickening. Prayers to the mass shooting victims in Allen, Texas. If there is any way I can help those affected by this tragedy please let me know. When is this s**t gonna stop?" Murray tweeted.
A vigil will be held for the victims on Sunday at 5pm.
7
7
