Tragedy struck as gun violence claimed the lives of nine more individuals, including the suspect, in a shooting at a mall in Allen, Texas.
On Saturday, May 6, a shooting erupted at the Allen Premium Outlets in Allen, Texas, leaving nine people dead and three critically injured. The incident caused chaos among shoppers, who desperately sought safety. Seven victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries at a hospital.
Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey reported that a police officer fatally shot the suspected gunman. The Texas Public Safety Department identified the shooter as 33-year-old Mauricio Garcia.
The shooting took place during a busy afternoon at the outdoor mall. Police received reports of an active shooter at 3:36 pm. Bystanders captured footage of terrified people taking cover and fleeing as nearly a dozen distinct gunshots rang out.
President Joe Biden issued a statement on Sunday, urging Congress to address gun violence by passing legislation banning assault weapons and implementing mandatory background checks.
Allen Mayor Ken Fulk commended the swift response of police and firefighters, noting that their training to move toward danger without hesitation likely saved additional lives. Republican Representative Keith Self, who represents Allen, Texas, countered critics calling for stronger measures to prevent mass shootings by suggesting that God Almighty, as the controller of our lives, possesses the power to prevent such incidents.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott received significant backlash after offering his condolences, with critics accusing him of opposing gun reform in the country.
The FBI continues to investigate the shooting.
This tragedy occurred only a week after a mass shooting in Cleveland, Texas, on Friday, April 28, claimed the lives of five people. On Tuesday, May 2, police found the shooter in a home approximately 20 miles from the crime scene. More than 20 mass shootings have already occurred in the US this year.
