Several people died this Saturday and an as yet undetermined number were injured after a shooting in a shopping center in the city of Allen, Texasin the southern United States.
The sheriff’s office reported the event through social networks, the details of which are not yet known, while the local press published images of hundreds of people leaving the mall, which has been evacuated.
CNN reported, citing police sources, that the attacker was killed in the incident and that police are looking for a second gunman in the mall.
There is a search for a “second gunman,” according to the police source, based on witness descriptions, although the involvement of a second shooter is unconfirmed.
According to the news portal BNO extensionAerial images taken from a press helicopter show the bodies of at least four people lying on the ground.
Allen Police said an active investigation was underway and asked citizens to avoid approaching the area surrounding the facility, dubbed the Allen Premium Outlets.
It did not report, however, whether the attacker was killed, detained or is still active.
The United States has suffered at least 198 mass shootings so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines mass shootings as those in which four or more people are killed, not including the perpetrator. Southern state governor Greg Abbott released a statement saying, “Our hearts go out to the people of Allen.”
“I am in contact with local authorities and have offered them the full support of the entire state of Texas,” he added.
For his part, the Republican congressman for Texas, Keith Self, said on his social networks: “We are devastated by the tragic news of the shootings that took place today at the Allen Premium Outlets. Our prayers are with the victims, their families and all law enforcement agencies present at the scene.”
He added, “This is an ongoing situation, but Allen PD is in full control of the scene. A shooter is down and there are multiple casualties. They keep working to ensure the scene is safe. The public is urged to stay away from that area as this investigation continues.”
Witnesses cited by CNN say they saw unclear images of the scene, as authorities asked them to leave immediately.
DB extension
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.