8 victims dead, 7 injured following shooting at Allen Premium Outlets; Gunman killed
ALLEN (CBSNewsTexas.com) — Eight victims are dead and seven are injured following a shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets Saturday afternoon. The gunman has also been confirmed dead.
Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey said at 3:36 p.m. May 6, an officer was on an unrelated call at the outlet mall when he heard gunshots. When he followed the gunshots, Chief Harvey said the officer "saw" then "neutralized" the suspect before calling for ambulances.
The Allen Fire Department reported six victims and the gunman died at the scene, and that they transported nine victims to nearby trauma facilities. Two of those transported later succumbed to their injuries.
Three victims are in critical condition and four are stable, the department stated. A spokesperson with Medical City Hospitals said the victims' ages range from 5 to 61 years old.
A man who rushed to aid those wounded and dying said their injuries were so horrific that they had to be loaded into police cars because ambulances would not have gotten them to nearby trauma facilities fast enough.
Video posted to social media captured the sound of gunfire and panic at the mall. A man inside the Famous Footwear store told CBS News Texas that shoppers were in distress and crying while under lockdown.
"We are horrified by today's senseless tragedy and outraged by the violence that continues to plague our country," the outlet mall said in an emailed statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and others affected by this heinous act. We are thankful for the police officer's heroic actions and for the support of all the first responders."
State Representative Jeff Leach said a vigil will be held for the victims at Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen at 5 p.m. Sunday.
READ: Political leaders comment on deadly mass shooting in Allen
The FBI is now assisting the Allen Police Department in this investigation and are asking anyone with information on the shooting to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.